German Studies: Cultural Studies

The B.A. in German Studies: Cultural Studies provides students with intermediate to advanced competency in spoken and written German, analytical skills, intercultural competence, and the ability to work across disciplines. This credential emphasizes cultural studies alongside language study and promotes multi-disciplinarity by making it easier for students already pursuing a major in a complimentary field to also complete a degree in German Studies. German 401 is not required for this degree option. Up to 10 credits from a list of approved courses in other departments can be applied towards this degree.

Like the B.A. in German Studies, the B.A. in German Studies: Cultural Studies places the artistic and intellectual traditions of German-speaking countries and their people in a revealing interdisciplinary context. Students investigate the language and cultures of these countries using approaches from linguistics, theater and performance studies, film and media studies, philosophy, Jewish studies, gender studies, queer theory, eco-criticism, environmental studies, and more. They can build intermediate to advanced proficiency in the German language through study abroad, internships, and an optional capstone intensive language course, with the option to pursue departmental honors. By drawing on these diverse fields, students investigate the two-way influence that German-speaking countries and the world have had on each other. Graduates use their skills in verbal interpretation and analysis, critical thinking, and solving complex problems to succeed in diverse roles in the public and private sectors.

As part of the degree, students gain advanced linguistic proficiency in German. Because German 101, 201, and 301 are available only in the fall, students should sign up to begin as early as possible. If you have previous experience studying German, see our information on placement tests. An accelerated first-year German course is available in the summer. For additional information, please contact the German Language Program Director Klaus Brandl.

Admissions, Advising & Student Resources

Please see our Undergraduate Programs section for information about applying to the program, career paths, scholarships, and other student resources.

If you have questions about German Studies programs or coursework, you can contact our Undergraduate Programs Coordinator, Jason Groves, jagroves@uw.edu.

Completion Requirements

50-51 credits

1. GERMAN 203, GERMAN 311, GERMAN 322
2. Two 400-level courses in literature and culture chosen from the following: GERMAN 411, GERMAN 421, GERMAN 422, GERMAN 423, GERMAN 490, GERMAN 493, GERMAN 494, GERMAN 495 (10 credits)
3. 15 additional credits from any combination of the following courses, or additional courses from the list above. No more than 10 credits at the 200-level.
   1. Literature and Culture: GERMAN 210, GERMAN 293, GERMAN 295/JEW ST 295, GERMAN 300, GERMAN 322, GERMAN 323, GERMAN 351, GERMAN 352, GERMAN 355, GERMAN 371, GERMAN 398, GERMAN 399, GERMAN 499
   2. Linguistics: GERMAN 452/LING 415
   3. Other: GERMAN 446 (5 credits max.), GERMAN 447 (5 credits max.)
4. Additional completion requirements specified below
5. Minimum 2.0 grade in every upper-division German course counted toward the major. Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all German courses counted toward the major.

Additional Completion Requirements

Option specific credits: 10 credits from a list of approved courses or additional 300- and 400-level courses from major requirements #2 and #3 shown above.