COURSE CURRICULUM

The German Studies degree at the University of North Texas provides students with advanced language proficiency, cultural understanding, and global communication skills while preparing them for careers in an increasingly interconnected world. Representing a broad range of world languages, literatures, and cultures, the program is led by dedicated faculty members who promote excellence in research, teaching, and professional service while emphasizing cultural diversity, inclusivity, and global literacy. Students develop strong communication, critical-thinking, and research abilities that prepare them for competitive employment opportunities both nationally and internationally. The program also encourages responsible citizenship and interdisciplinary learning by helping students understand different cultures, histories, and perspectives through the study of German language and society. Students have opportunities to strengthen and perfect their German language skills not only through classroom instruction but also through study abroad experiences, conversation groups, film series, and other immersive cultural activities that provide real-world language practice and firsthand exposure to German-speaking cultures. The program works closely with the Study Abroad office to offer international work and study opportunities that allow students to experience life and learning in German-speaking environments. Additional academic support is provided through the World Language Learning Center, which features 80 computer workstations, self-study software, multilingual audio and video media, and presentation equipment designed to improve language proficiency and communication skills. Students also have access to resources such as the Career Center, Learning Center, and professional academic advisors who assist with internships, career planning, and hands-on experiences related to the major. The degree helps students build valuable marketable skills including interpersonal communication in German, oral and written communication, multicultural awareness, critical thinking, and the ability to collect and analyze information in another language. Studying German also strengthens analytical and interpretive abilities that can improve performance in other academic areas and standardized entrance exams. Coursework in the program includes classes such as German Phonetics, Contemporary Germany, Professional German, German Short Stories, Cultural History of Berlin, and Advanced German I: Oral Communication. These courses help students strengthen language fluency, cultural understanding, historical knowledge, and professional communication skills while preparing them for careers in education, international business, government, tourism, translation, global communications, and many other internationally focused fields.