Learning+German

Why Study German?
More than 120 million people in Europe speak German. A major or concentration in German provides language skills and increases ones cultural competence in the global marketplace. Studying German prepares undergraduates for graduate study or international careers working for German companies in the US or for an American companies in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Majoring in German Literature and Cultural History prepares students for a variety of career paths.

Columbia's Department of Germanic Languages is considered to be one of the leading programs in the country and teaches German as part of a cultural whole. Our language classes draw on a wide range of German-language materials, including art, literature, film, theater, classical and popular music, television, press, and the world wide web. Since learning a foreign language involves learning new forms of expression that are also new ways of thinking, studying German at Columbia allows you to acquire a critical awareness of both "things foreign" and your own native culture.
 * Why study German at Columbia?**

In addition to the language program, the Department offers a large selection of challenging and rewarding courses in German literature, philosophy, cultural history and film. Classes are small and allow for individual mentoring of students by the faculty. There are also ample opportunities for practicing German outside the classroom. The cultural program at Deutsches Haus includes conversation hours, lectures, colloquia, and film screenings. Meanwhile, New York City offers numerous additional opportunities to experience German culture. Learn more about studying German at Columbia on the homepage of the [|Department of Germanic Languages].

Major / Concentration in German
The Department of Germanic Languages offers not only a major, but also a concentration and a premedical concentration in German Literature and Cultural History. Interested students can find details listed on the homepage at "[|Undergraduate Requirements]."

Study Abroad Opportunities in German
Students interested in studying for a semester or year at the Freie Universität Berlin can do so through Columbia's "Berlin Consortium for German Studies." In addition, the Department supports summer language study via "FUBiS" grants to freshman and sophomore German language students. In addition to the BCGS and the FUBiS [|Programs of Study in Germany], the Department works closely with Columbia's [|Office of Global Studies] to make as many opportunities as possible available.

Funding/Grants Available
The Fulbright Scholar Program, adminstered by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) offers scholarship and grant opportunities worldwide in a variety of fields. Information on study / research opportunities extending from undergraduate language programs to faculty exchanges go to [|Fulbright Scholar Program].

Placement Exams and German Reading Proficiency Exams
Any students who has learned German previous to studying at Columbia and/or who has learned additional German during a semester break, must take the German Language Placement Exam in order to re/enroll in the German language/literature program. The placement exam assesses language proficiency in listening, reading, and writing. Some students also require individual interviews to assess speaking and/or comprehension skills differing from placement exam results. For additional information, contact RAKorb.
 * Fall 2011 German Placement Exam:**

Tuesday August 30, 4 pm / 313 Hamilton Hall Thursday September 1, 10am / 313 Hamilton Hall Friday September 9, 12noon / 303 Hamilton Hall
 * Fall 2011 German Placement Exam:**

Successful completion requires students to translate one of two 300-word academic German texts with the assistance of a dictionary. There is a strict two-hour limit and the translation must indicate a complete clear understanding of the text in its entirety.
 * German Reading Proficiency Exam:**

(for Graduate Students only!) Fri. Sept. 9, 2:30-4:30 / 303 Hamilton Hall
 * Fall 2011 German Reading Proficiency Exam:**

1. In order to fulfill Ph.D. requirements, graduate students in the Arts and Sciences must demonstrate reading knowledge of at least two foreign languages. 2. Students need to check with their adviser for requirements outlined by individual departments/programs. 3. The Department of Germanic Languages offers a two-semester course (German Reading F1113-F1114 and/or Intensive German Reading [in summer] S/Q1115) preparing for the German Reading Proficiency Exam.
 * Please note:**

Courses in German Language and Literature
Course listings for Fall 2011 can be found online at:[| http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bulletin/uwb/subj/GERM/_Fall2011.html]

Detailed information (including syllabuses and bibliographies) for German all language courses can be found at:[| http://www.columbia.edu/~rak23/]

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