German Language and Literature

At Oakland, our undergraduate German degree program teaches you to apply skills, language, and cultural knowledge in the real world through a variety of opportunities. These include studying abroad, classroom discourse, literature reviews, and other assignments that focus on contemporary topics.

Throughout our bachelor’s degree program in German language and literature, you’ll not only gain new cultural perspectives, but also develop highly sought-after job skills that will help you excel personally and professionally. These include the ability to solve problems, critically analyze and synthesize information, use language as a valuable tool to enhance your future job opportunities, and others.

Oakland’s German degree in language and literature also offers you:

• Opportunities to study abroad. As a German language and lit major at Oakland, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on learning experiences through study abroad while working toward your German bachelor’s degree. For instance, a one-semester exchange program at the University of Oldenburg allows undergraduate students to learn with native German speakers and live on campus in a dorm. This allows for a fully immersive experience, which is different from typical international exchange programs offered at other colleges and universities.
• Knowledgeable faculty. At Oakland, your German classes are taught by dedicated, full-time professors who get to know you, your interests, and your talents. This allows them to tailor their teaching styles and class offerings to your needs. Not only are our professors experts in German literature and beyond, but they have also graduated from top-tier teaching programs, including institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This brings tried and true teaching methods and first-hand knowledge to our classrooms.
• Academic options. In addition to the German language and literature bachelor’s degree option, we offer a Modified Major in German for students majoring or minoring in fields such as engineering, STEM, communications, business, humanities, and linguistics. The Modified Major program enables you to graduate faster than average with a dual German degree and another area of study with just 24 credits at the upper level toward the second degree.
• Invigorating extracurricular activities. Earning your undergraduate German degree in language and literature doesn’t have to be all about studying. You can join other German majors in several groups and events on campus, including the weekly German Conversation Hour, a German Club, Modified Major Promotion Events, study abroad info sessions, and more.