The minor in German Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the language and cultures of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The foremost goal of the program is to provide participants with a broad, yet in-depth understanding of the various contributions which German-speaking civilization had made --from the early Middle Ages up to the present -- to the development of the Western world. Among the disciplines that may be studied are the literature, art, music, history, theology and philosophy of the German world.
Students wishing to minor in German Studies are required to complete six one-semester courses. Of these six electives, a minimum of three upper-level courses (at least one of which must be conducted in German) is required within the Department of German Studies; one of these may be chosen -- in consultation with the Director of the minor -- from the relevant offerings of at least two of the following departments: history, music, theology, fine arts and philosophy. Such courses should focus upon subjects related to German culture. The following courses are suggested for spring semester 2007: FA232 Northern Renaissance Art, FA356 Art Since 1945, GM175 Business German, GM202 German Composition and Conversation, GM211 History of German Literature II, GM214 Poetic Mind of Germany, GM239 Knights, and Dragons, GM290 Advanced Reading in German, HS 452 European War and Genocide, MU 175 Music of the Holocaust and Third Reich, MU207 Music of the Romanic Era, MU270 Beethoven, PL399 Heidegger Project II, PL408 Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Philosophy, Pl 595 Kant's Critique, TH449 Jewish Liturgy: History and Theology, TH495 Hitler, Pius X, and Vatican II.
Students who are already pursuing a double major will not be accepted into the German Studies minor. Planning and fulfilling the minor in German Studies require the final approval of the Director of the minor. Finally, students are encouraged to consult with the Director concerning opportunities for study abroad during their junior year at a German or Austrian university. Interested students are asked to contact the Director of the minor, Associate Professor Rachel Freudenburg (Department of German Studies, Lyons Hall 201F, ext. 2-3745, <freudenr@bc.edu>.