German

Location:	Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building 6135 University Avenue Room 3025 P.O. Box 15000 Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
Telephone:	(902) 494-1082
Website:	german.dal.ca
Email:	german@dal.ca

Introduction

There are approximately 100 million native speakers of German in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and parts of Eastern Europe, and after English, German is the most widely understood language in Europe. The political, cultural, economic and scientific role of the German-speaking countries makes the knowledge of German a strategic skill for many academic disciplines and career paths.

But our teaching of German language and Germanophone culture also aims to inspire students to engage both with the rich literary and intellectual tradition of the German-speaking world, and with its vibrant and diverse communities and opportunities today. From Luther to Nietzsche, from Goethe to Brecht, Freud and Marx, German writers have sparked momentous changes in the world. While known for innovation in engineering, medicine and science, the culture is equally deeply rooted in music, theatre, art and architecture – and our program empowers students to explore and engage with the heritage and the dynamic present.

Our curriculum offers a structured progression in language learning from beginning to advanced levels of proficiency, as well as courses exploring Germanophone history, literature, film, philosophy and culture.

We offer major and minor degree options (and soon, a Certificate in German language). Majors or honours students may, with approval, take up to one year (30 credit hours) at a university in a German-speaking country and receive credit at Dalhousie. The program also offers short term study abroad opportunities at various universities in Germany.

 

Degree Programs

In addition to the departmental requirements listed below, students must satisfy the requirements outlined in the Degree Requirements section.

Although the following programs are normally followed, other possibilities do exist. Students considering a degree in German are advised to consult with the German program advisor.

Applications for Honours Programs should be discussed with the German program advisor at an early stage. Later applications can also be accommodated.