student at chalkboard writing words in German.
Students learn German by doing: reading, speaking, writing, and discourse. Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97
Program Overview

German

Program Type: Major, Minor
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department: German Studies

Students who major in German will immerse themselves in the rich literature and language of the German-speaking world. Our courses ask students to reflect on the nature and value of literary, cinematic, and artistic works as part of a larger inquiry into the meaning of life. We teach linguistic skills through classroom and cocurricular activities to help German majors acquire real proficiency and cultural understanding.

Program Director

Steven Huff Professor of German

Contact

Dale Alexander Administrative Assistant 440-775-8650

Why Study German at Oberlin?

13
Study Away Programs
1
Language-based Residence Hall
35
Variety of Programs
lounge area of Max Kade House
The lounge in Max Kade House is often the space where students studying German meet for meals, games, parties, discussions, and other social activities. Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97

German House

Max Kade House, officially known as Deutsches Haus or German House, is a Program House for students who want to learn and speak German. The house can accommodate 35 students, who along with a resident faculty member and two teaching assistants, have opportunities to engage in social, cultural, and academic activities—in German.

Winter Term

Oberlin’s four-week winter term in January encourages students to discover the value of self-directed education. You may pursue individual or group projects that are directly linked to your field of study or explore opportunities unrelated to your major. Complete your project on or off campus.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student Senate, Chess Club, Solarity, the Oberlin Review—these are among the more than 175 student groups and clubs available to you. From politics to faith and identity, and from special interest to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs eager for new members, new ideas, and new leadership.

Sample Courses

  • GERM 203 - Intermediate German 4 credits
  • GERM 303 - Shared languages Program: German for Business Culture 4 credits
  • GERM 305 - Conversation and Composition 4 credits
  • GERM 311 - Enlightenment to Classicism 4 credits
Curriculum and requirements

German Faculty

Our faculty are both scholars and teachers who devote their careers to making important contributions to their disciplines through writing and research. Their areas of special interest include West German literature and film, postwar narratives, baroque and romanticism, Yiddish literature, and German Jewish literature. They are committed to undergraduate education and teach everything from first-year seminars to advanced language courses.

Explore Faculty within German

German Faculty

German News

View all German news