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German (Department of German and Russian)

The German section of the German and Russian Department offers its students a varied, stimulating choice of courses in beginning, intermediate and advanced German language, German literature from the Middle Ages through the 20th century, German culture and civilization, and specialized courses, including Performing German, Business German and literature in translation. Students choosing to major in German language or German literature may wish to combine their language study with a second major. Double majors are possible with any other curriculum at the University; business administration, politics, journalism and the sciences have been particularly popular in combination with a German major in recent years. We also offer a minor in German.

We strongly encourage all German majors and minors to avail themselves of an opportunity to study in a German-speaking country. The Washington and Lee "Bayrische Studienwochen" (Bavarian Study Weeks) is a total immersion academic program in southern Germany directed by the department faculty. Home-stays with families in the Upper Bavarian town Eichstätt and the Upper Franconian city Bayreuth, classes in language, literature and culture, and excursions to destinations such as Munich, Würzburg, Nürnberg, Bamberg, Berlin, Dresden and Prague highlight the six-week spring term abroad, for which students receive six hours of credit. In spring 2010 we will add a four week intensive study program in the Rhineland as the initial step in an emerging partnership with the University of Bonn. Students wishing a longer experience abroad may take advantage of the semester-long program with the University of Bayreuth or arrange with the Director of International Education to have credits transferred from another university's study abroad program. The Department is committed to helping qualified students obtain internships or other work experiences in German-speaking countries.

The German and Russian Department encourages promising German students by presenting six endowed awards annually, two each at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels, for academic accomplishment. German majors with high overall academic averages are invited to cap off their degrees by writing a thesis to earn the "Honors" distinction. All German majors and minors are encouraged to participate in the annual production of a full-length play in German in the Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts. Finally, the German Club provides social activities within a German cultural context.

Recent graduates with German majors are enjoying exciting and varied careers in such areas as publications, industry, law, international banking and teaching. Some have held internships with German companies which have led to employment after graduation. Highly motivated students with imagination can internationalize their careers with an in-depth knowledge of the German language and the culture of its speakers.