German Studies Minor

The interdisciplinary study of German history, philosophy, culture, and literature enables students to understand the role of Germany and other German-speaking countries in Europe and the world today, to trace its roots in the past, to comprehend the crosscurrents in its thinking and to experience the contributions of German poets, novelists, and authors.

Similarly, the study of German history and culture provides students with opportunities to examine the complicated history and present situation of issues related to diversity and multiculturalism in Europe. A German Studies Minor also recognizes the important legacy of German immigrants in our city and our state of Maryland, as Baltimore was one of the most important ports of entry for German immigration in the nineteenth century.

A German Studies Minor will help students gain a solid foundation of the German language as well as the cultural competency necessary for global engagement that is a fundamental part of the educational goals of our institution.

Requirements

The German Studies Minor consists of a total of six three-credit courses (18 credits):

• GR 104
• GR 201
• German Studies Electives:
  • Take 4 German Studies Electives from approved list (AH, GR, HS, ML, MU, PL, PS, and TH).
  • At least 3 different subjects (AH, GR, HS, ML, MU, PL, PS, TH) must be represented.

The director of the German Studies Minor will work with each student to develop a coherent program of study, guide the student, and meet informally at least once a semester to assist the student in course selection and planning.

Minor forms and other academic forms can be found on the Records website.

View complete list of German Studies courses and requirements.

Why Study German?

Language Learning opens doors. As the famous linguist and philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein would have it, "The boundaries of my language determine the boundaries of my world" [Die Grenzen meiner Sprache bedeuten die Grenzen meiner Welt].

Learning German can connect students with 120 million native speakers around the globe. As the official language of Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein as well as Germany, the world's largest exporter, German is the language with the largest number of native speakers in the European Union. It is the native language of a significant portion of the population in northern Italy, eastern Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, eastern France, and parts of Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia and Romania. It is the second-most commonly used scientific language and the most widely spoken language in Europe. Germany lies at the center of a European population of 300 million people, taking a decisive role in the political, economic, and educational dynamics of the continent.

Over the centuries, German art, literature, music, philosophy, religion and research in the sciences have profoundly influenced the cultural traditions of other countries. The political events of Germany's past frequently affected the entire world. The increasingly dominant role in international affairs and the global economic environment played by a unified Germany will be of critical importance to all of us. The study of German culture enables students to understand the spirit of Germany, to trace its roots in the past and to comprehend the crosscurrents in its thinking. 

Study Abroad Opportunity

German Studies Minors are strongly encouraged to study abroad in Berlin. Information about the program in Berlin and possible course offerings are listed on the International Studies website. Most courses taken in Berlin will count towards the German Studies Minor. Students are encouraged to consult with the director of the program before studying abroad.

Contact Information

Directors

Willeke Sandler, Associate Professor (History)
Humanities 303
410-617-5479
wsandler@loyola.edu

Jennifer Holt, Lecturer of German (Modern Languages and Literatures)
Maryland Hall 463
410-617-2513
jlholt@loyola.edu

Affiliated Faculty

• Mavis Biss, Associate Professor of Philosophy
• Richard Boothby, Professor of Philosophy
• Kerry Boeye, Associate Professor of Art History (Fine Arts)
• Catriona Hanley, Associate Professor of Philosophy
• Janine Holc, Professor of Political Science
• Jennifer Holt, Lecturer of German (Modern Languages and Literatures)
• Barnaby Nygren, Associate Professor of Art History (Fine Arts)
• Willeke Sandler, Associate Professor of History
• Dale Snow, Associate Professor of Philosophy
• James Snow, Lecturer of Philosophy

Berlin Reichstag