German
Department of Linguistics
College of Arts and Sciences
609 Baldy Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1030
Phone: 716.645.2177
Fax: 716.645.3825
Web: linguistics.buffalo.edu
Karin Michelson
Chair
David Fertig
Program Director
fertig@buffalo.edu
Robert Hoeing
Director of Undergraduate Studies
rghoeing@buffalo.edu
About the Program
Note: See Professor Fertig for matters regarding first and second year language instruction; see Professor Hoeing for matters concerning the German major and minor.
The German language is spoken by 120 million people mainly living in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. German is a major international language of commerce, diplomacy, and scholarly investigation in many fields.
Germany today is the economic cornerstone of the European Union and as such is not only an important trading partner of the United States, it is also one of our most important political allies in Europe. After German reunification, the peoples of Eastern Europe chose German as their second language. They clearly recognize Germany as an important economic and political power of the present and future. Any future development and job opportunities in this important arena will involve German culture and language.
About Our Degrees
The undergraduate major program in German combines continuing development of language proficiency with the study of the culture and society of the German-speaking countries. German is the most widely spoken language in Europe, and Germany today is the economic cornerstone of the European Union. Many throughout Eastern Europe have chosen German as their second language. Any future development and job opportunities in this important arena will involve German culture and language.
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent: GER 101-GER 102 Elementary German 1st-2nd semester or GER 104.
Transitional Elementary German and GER 151-GER 152 Intermediate German I-II.
Acceptance Information
Deadlines: Rolling
Number of applicants (2003-2004): 15
Number of accepted majors (2003-2004): 15
Total number of majors currently enrolled: 9
Total number of minors currently enrolled: 6
Degree Requirements
Pleas see the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Courses
In addition to elementary, intermediate, and advanced language courses, the German program offers a broad spectrum of courses focusing on various aspects of society and culture in the German-speaking countries. Course topics include literature, folklore, mass media, sociolinguistics, and the history and structure of the German language.
New students should choose the appropriate level in consultation with advisors and program directors. Depending on previous language experience the following courses may be appropriate:
- GER 101 or GER 102 Elementary German I or II
- GER 104 Transitional Elementary German
- GER 151 or GER 152 Intermediate German I or II
The typical class size for:
Freshman/introductory courses is: 24
Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 20
Upper level/advanced courses is: 10
In the German program, what do teaching assistants (TA’s) do?
TA’s generally teach introductory level courses.
For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Faculty
Bob Hoeing teaches everything from syntax to Grimm's Fairy Tales. David Fertig specializes in historical and sociolinguistics. His interests include ancient Germanic tribes, modern dialects, mass media, and linguistic minorities.
Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities
Study Abroad
German majors and minors are strongly encouraged to consider spending a summer, a semester, or a year studying in a German-speaking country. UB participates in a program at the University of Würzburg, administered through SUNY Albany. Students can also make arrangements to study at other German universities. For more information, see: http://wings.buffalo.edu/studyabroad/.
Honors, Awards, and Scholarships
Students may receive special recognition from the department and from the German government.
Extracurricular Activities
The German Club is open to majors, minors, and all others interested in German. For information, please call 716-645-2177.
See the UB Student Association.
Complementary Programs and Courses
- Art History
- Business Administration
- Engineering and Applied Sciences
- English
- History
- International Studies
- Linguistics
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Science
Courses Outside the Major that Could Improve Employment Opportunities
Depending on a student's interests, courses in a wide range of departments could be relevant and useful. For those interested in teaching, there are state-mandated courses. Those interested in areas such as business or international relations should take courses in the appropriate programs.
Career Information and Further Study
Career Choices
- Announcer (TV/radio)
- Anthropological linguist
- Customs inspector
- Diplomat
- Educator
- Foreign student advisor
- Immigration inspector
- Import/export agent
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Public relations specialist
Links to Further Information About This Program
- Undergraduate Catalog
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- Department of Linguistics
- College of Arts and Sciences
Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:09 EST