Students may declare German as either a first or second major, or they may elect to minor in German. In all instances, the prerequisite is to have passed German 101, 102 (Elementary German) and German 203, 204 (Intermediate German) or their equivalent. For those wishing to a become German majors, two options are available: they may choose a concentration in German Literature and Culture with its main emphasis on language and literature, or they may select the German Studies concentration with its emphasis on Germany's cultural, historical and political role in European and world affairs.

Course requirements for GERMAN MAJORS (Literature and Culture Concentration):

A minimum of eight courses (24 credit hours) beyond German 204.

Required courses:

German 301 (Conversation and Composition)
German 302 (German Language and Culture)
German 303 (Introduction to Modern German Literature)
German 257 (Contemporary German Studies)
Four additional courses (selected by the student in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies).

Please note: No fewer than five of the eight courses counting toward the major must be conducted in German; see "Directory of Classes" for the listing of such courses in each semester. – “Topics” courses (German 290, 291, 292, 390, 391 and 392) may be repeated for credit toward the major.

Course requirements for GERMAN MAJORS (German Studies Concentration):

A minimum of four courses (12 credit hours) beyond German 204 offered by the Department:

German 301 (Conversation and Composition)
German 303 (Introduction to Modern German Literature)
German 257 (Contemporary German Studies)
One additional course beyond 302 that is taught in German
Four additional departmental or non-departmental courses (12 credit hours).

Courses relevant to German Studies may be offered by the Departments of History, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, and Sociology. A list of approved German Studies courses will be available at the beginning of each semester from the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

“Languages Across the Curriculum” (LAC). Students majoring in either concentration are encouraged to avail themselves of the LAC option, a one-hour recitation or discussion section taught in German that is available in conjunction with some courses offered by the Department (German 388) as well as other departments (German 389). Three LAC credit hours may be used as a substitute for one three-hour course taught in German.

Honors. Majors in either concentration qualified for honors work in their senior year may take German 691H (extensive reading and research on a topic of the student's choice) followed by German 692H or 693H (supervised writing of an honors thesis either in an individual or seminar setting). Students who work for an honors degree may count these courses toward the major.

Transfer Credit - Study Abroad. At least four courses (12 credit hours) beyond 204, and ordinarily including 301 and 303, must be taken at UNC-Chapel Hill to fulfill the requirements of the major. German majors who study abroad or wish to transfer credit from another institution may apply for the transfer of a maximum of four courses counting toward the major. Before their departure for a Study Abroad program, students should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies about appropriate courses for the major to be taken abroad.

Course requirements for GERMAN MINORS:

German 301
German 303
Two additional courses (6 credit hours) beyond 204.