German
Overview
The German minor offers courses in literature, culture, and language within a setting that stresses frequent and informal interaction of students with faculty and with visiting German students on campus. The student experience is often expanded by study abroad either at Paderborn or Bonn University. A new major and minor in European Studies offers an expanded context for the study of German.
Upon completion of a German minor, students generally demonstrate intermediate proficiency and increased intercultural competencies and analytical skills.
Point of Pride
Each year at least three students are awarded the German Alumni New Student Scholarship, which was established in 2008 with the generous support of German program graduates.
Why study German?
Germany is the most influential, most central member of the European Union, and German the most widely spoken native language within that dynamic and important entity.
Despite its reputation for difficulty, German is in many ways more closely related to English than most other languages. It provides an access to studies in philosophy, history, music, literature, and many other academic fields. Mastery of German can be important for those whose interest in business focuses on Europe. It is a language spoken not only in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but also in neighboring countries, especially to the east, where it has a tradition as a lingua franca.
Learning German provides access to many fields of study and activity. Though to some it is the language of a parent or grandparent, German has become a language of choice for many, valued for its expressive and conceptual qualities.
How to Apply
Application Information
Minors can only be declared by current Illinois State students. Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Application Period
Applications always accepted.