The B.A. in German at Lycoming College provides a holistic approach to language acquisition, moving beyond rote memorization to immerse students in the nuances of the German language and its cultural contexts. Students benefit from an intimate learning environment with small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, including Fulbright Teaching Assistants from Germany, fostering a close rapport and opportunities for authentic linguistic and cultural exchange. This major is often chosen by students seeking to combine their passion for German with other disciplines, such as International Studies, Business Administration, or Education, thereby broadening their career prospects.
Curriculum: The German curriculum is structured to progressively build linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy. Students typically begin with foundational courses in Elementary German (GER 101, 102) and Intermediate German (GER 111, 112), followed by courses designed to enhance conversational skills and composition (e.g., GER 221 German Conversation & Review, GER 225 German Composition and Review). Upper-level courses, primarily conducted in German, delve into specific aspects of German culture, literature, and film (e.g., GER 311 German/Austrian Cultures, GER 426 Special Topics in German/Austrian Literature/Culture). A key component of the major is a required study abroad experience, typically a minimum of 8 credits gained during at least 12 continuous weeks of study in a German-speaking country, ensuring deep cultural immersion.
Research Focus: Research is an integral aspect of the German program at Lycoming College, primarily centered on the critical analysis of literary, cultural, and historical materials. Students engage in in-depth study of German literature, film, and intellectual traditions, developing sophisticated analytical and interpretive skills. Opportunities exist for students to conduct independent research projects under the guidance of faculty, potentially culminating in presentations at undergraduate conferences. Faculty members, who are active scholars with research interests spanning German Romanticism to contemporary German cinema, provide strong mentorship, encouraging students to pursue prestigious scholarships like Fulbright or DAAD, which often have a significant research component.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College places a strong emphasis on practical industry engagement for its German students, preparing them for professional roles where German language skills are a distinct advantage. The curriculum implicitly fosters an understanding of German business and professional etiquette, though specific "German for Professional Purposes" courses might be less explicit than in the French program. Students are actively encouraged to pursue competitive internships, both locally through programs like WISE and internationally, leveraging their language skills in diverse professional settings. Opportunities also exist for students to gain practical experience as department assistants or language lab monitors, fostering hands-on application of their linguistic knowledge and contributing to a strong resume.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is fundamentally integrated into Lycoming College's B.A. in German. The curriculum inherently focuses on the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and intellectual contributions of the German-speaking world, extending beyond Germany to Austria and Switzerland. The program actively requires and facilitates study abroad, with established partnerships that include the Freie Universität Berlin European Studies Program and Otto-Friedrich Universität in Bamberg, Germany. These immersive experiences allow students to live within German-speaking cultures, practice their language skills daily, and gain invaluable firsthand insight into global perspectives. The presence of Fulbright Teaching Assistants from Germany on campus further provides daily opportunities for authentic cross-cultural exchange, preparing graduates to be truly global citizens capable of navigating an interconnected world.
