German

Studying German at Augustana isn't just about communicating well in a foreign language; it's about feeling at home in a different culture. Students learn the history and culture of the German-speaking countries of Europe as well as their language and literature. Our special relationship with the universities in Eichstätt, Passau, and Regensburg, all located in Bavaria, offers our students extraordinary opportunities for overseas study. In addition, we have started a fall term program in "Lutherstadt" Wittenberg.

While the focus in the first two years of instruction is on grammar, reading, speaking, and writing, efforts are made to bring students into touch with contemporary events, customs, places, and people. After the second year the curriculum becomes more thematic, with courses such as Grammar and Composition, Linguistics, Conversation, Literature and Culture, Business German, and Film.

German majors are required to participate in a foreign experience in Germany. Students may choose from several programs that will fulfill this requirement, including any of the college's three exchange programs mentioned above. Students can study at one of these institutions for a semester (fall or spring/summer) or a year. Students may also choose to take part in the annual four-week summer program at the University of Eichstätt, or the fall term in Wittenberg.

The German Department expects its graduating seniors to write well in German, communicate fluidly, have a firm understanding of literature and culture, history, politics, and the arts, and to feel at home in a foreign culture.

Classes are small, and the experienced faculty members are eager to share with their students their love of the German language, of the countries where it is spoken, and of these countries' rich history and culture.