German Studies
Interdisciplinary Minor
“I wanted to be a student of German — but not just the language. I wanted to be well-rounded in all things German. So, pursuing a German studies minor made sense to me. I discovered a perfect match due to the professors’ diverse specialties as well as the wide range of courses that cover everything from German cinema to German for business.”
– Steve Werdan ’09
Students who gain background in German language and German culture — the object of our German Studies Program — can reap big benefits. Not only is German the second most widely spoken language in Europe, but Germany also remains the financial and economic powerhouse of the European Union. When it comes to science and technology, Germany is one of the top three nations in the world for developing and exporting knowledge and products. If you plan to pursue a career in business, science, research or technology, studying German language and culture can be an important advantage.
At the College of Charleston, we recognize this. It’s why we have one of the top German programs in the state. On its own, or combined with other disciplines, our minor in German studies can help set you apart by giving you an edge to compete successfully for jobs or placement in graduate programs.
One of the chief advantages of our program is its flexibility. You study German history, literature, culture and society (in German or in English), but some of the most popular courses in the program are drawn from other departments and programs, including:
- philosophy
- history
- Jewish studies
- political science
Each year, a few fortunate students who successfully complete German 202 have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and culture through a unique and intensive summer internship program. These students travel to Germany, live with a German family for a month and then complete a two-month internship with a German company or organization. In the past, students have interned in hospitals, automobile dealerships, hotels, radio stations and museums. This is an unparalleled way to get professional experience — and contacts — while becoming more proficient in the language and familiar with its cultural base.
Find out more about the German studies minor and see how it can complement your academic portfolio and enhance your professional potential.
Contact Information
Morgan Koerner
Department Chair
843.953.1997