<a href="/live/image/gid/491/width/650/86485_German_Studies_main_image.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image86485"><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/491/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86485_German_Studies_main_image.rev.1607647105.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/491/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86485_German_Studies_main_image.rev.1607647105.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 501px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/491/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86485_German_Studies_main_image.rev.1607647105.webp 1x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 501px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/491/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86485_German_Studies_main_image.rev.1607647105.jpg 1x" data-origin="responsive"/><img src="/live/image/gid/491/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86485_German_Studies_main_image.rev.1607647105.jpg" alt="German Studies students who study abroad get to enjoy a full-year program at the University of Munich." width="720" height="690" data-max-w="1059" data-max-h="1015" loading="lazy" data-optimized="true"/></picture></a> <div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption">German Studies students who study abroad get to enjoy a full-year program at the University of Munich.</div>

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German Studies

Our program is a welcoming community of scholars, teachers, and students who are passionate about German language and culture and committed to the rich, lifelong benefits of cross-cultural exchange. We believe that in encountering different cultures, languages, and ways of seeing, you will learn to examine your own entrenched beliefs about yourself, your communities, and your place in the world.

Why Choose a Degree in German?

Studying literature and other cultural materials in a language other than your own teaches you to be flexible and open to different viewpoints, provides you with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of historical and contemporary events, and allows you to gain clarity with respect to your own views and experiences. Our faculty devote individual attention to students both in and outside the classroom.

Small department. You will have direct access to your professors, and benefit from their mentorship and guidance.
No Textbook Costs. The German language Program at Lewis and Clark is designed with OER material (open educational resources). This means that students can take 4 years of German at LC without ever having to purchase an expensive textbook.
Study abroad. Students get to participate in the Year of Study in Munich Program.
Opportunities to study/work in Germany after graduation. Germany awards a generous number of scholarships and other support to study or work abroad. Your professors can help you identify the scholarships best suited for your goals and guide you through the application process.
Science and research. German is the second-most commonly used scientific language. Germany is the third-largest contributor to research and development and offers research fellowships to scientists from abroad.
Communication. Developments in media, information, and communication technology require multilingual communicators. A wide range of important websites are in German, and worldwide, Germany is ranked number five in terms of annual publications of new books. Knowledge of German offers you extended access to information.
Business. Germany has the fourth-largest economy in the world. Knowing the language of your German business partners improves your relations and your chances for effective communication and success.
Enjoyment of literature, music, art, philosophy, and science. German is the language of Bach, Beethoven, Einstein, Freud, Goethe, Jung, Kafka, Mozart, and Nietzsche. Indulge in reading and/or listening to their works in their original language.
Travel. Make the most of your travels not only in German-speaking countries, but in many other European countries where German is widely spoken, especially in Eastern Europe.
Tourism and hospitality industry. Tourists from German-speaking countries travel wide and far, and are the world’s biggest spenders when on holiday. They appreciate being looked after by German-speaking staff and tour guides.

For sources and more information, see the Goethe Institute’s webpage Ten Reasons to Learn German.

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What You’ll Study

We offer a major and minor in German through the Department of World Languages and Literatures. Our classes are small, focused, and taught by expert faculty. Topics range from German composition and conversation, to major periods in German literature, to examinations of German society during various historical periods.

Many of our students earn course credit on overseas programs. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students (including one in Berlin with an optional chemistry focus), the yearlong language-intensive overseas program in Munich is renowned for its high-quality academic offerings, direct access to German university programs, and outstanding internship and research opportunities. This program is required for all German majors.

Outside the classroom, the Keck Interactive Learning Center is a language center and community area that is packed with linguistic and cultural resources. The Global Languages and Cultures Living-Learning Community is a unique on-campus housing option with an immersive language-based focus. Our students are supported each year with a visiting international Language Assistant who teaches our conversation courses and offers tutoring support for each of our language sections.

Curriculum

Connect With Lewis & Clark!

<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Cold War Culture with Associate Professor Therese Augst</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> The class has allowed me to tap into both my knowledge of international affairs and German studies to evaluate what happened during this crucial period of history. I also reflect upon my experiences abroad and connect them to themes discussed each week. I look forward to every class as I know that I will leave enriched from the engaging lectures and discussions.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/16198-tiffani-wong"> <a href="/live/profiles/16198-tiffani-wong">Tiffani Wong BA ’22</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs, German Studies (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Transitions to Democracy by Associate Professor Leah Gilbert</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Professor Gilbert is passionate and engaging, and her class informed me a great deal about definitions of democracy, transition theories, and other important concepts in political science. It was also seminal in the inspiration for my senior international affairs thesis, where I researched democratic backsliding in Hungary.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17354-niall-gifford"> <a href="/live/profiles/17354-niall-gifford">Niall Gifford BA ’22</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: German Studies and International Affairs (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Art of War With Professor Bob Mandel</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> I have always been interested in war. Tackling difficult topics in spirited discussions every week helped me learn to articulate clearly and concisely and be able to think on my feet. It has helped me approach topics differently.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/14604-alie-cicero"> <a href="/live/profiles/14604-alie-cicero">Alie Cicero BA ’24</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs, German (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Intro to Electronic Music with Instructor of Music Jeff Leonard</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This class and Jeff showed me that I actually can do things that I previously thought impossible for me, such as producing music. Jeff was very supportive the entire semester and truly dedicated to his students’ well-being and performance. This class expanded my knowledge by giving me confidence in my ability to learn whatever is of interest to me regardless of the area.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17214-vanja-pesi"> <a href="/live/profiles/17214-vanja-pesi">Vanja Pešić BA ’22</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: German Studies, Psychology (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Key Monuments with Associate Professor Benjamin David</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Ben brought new and remarkable perspectives to Western art history that I had yet to experience. His kindness and caring for students is clear, and he emulates a well-rounded approach to knowledge in his lectures and assignments. 10/10, would recommend!</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/14605-lucia-sheridan"> <a href="/live/profiles/14605-lucia-sheridan">Lucia Sheridan BA ’23</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Psychology and German Studies (double) </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Art and Art History </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Philosophy Ethics with Associate Professor Joel Martinez</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> ]I was expecting to answer the popular dilemma: intentionally kill one person or do nothing and kill five. Funny enough, this scenario did come up but the class was so much more than that. We discussed a range of topics from Aristotle’s views on happiness to the morality of abortion. After this class I felt more open-minded and more confused, but the latter was definitely the intention.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17233-annika-clunk"> <a href="/live/profiles/17233-annika-clunk">Annika Clunk BA ’20</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Economics, German Studies (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>American Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties with Todd Lochner</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">It was undoubtedly one of the most challenging classes that I took, but I am much better for it. This was one of the first classes that made me reexamine my thought process on law and our society. Professor Lochner’s method of cold calling on students and creating scenarios to test our understanding of the law lead to interesting and free discussions. More importantly, these discussions challenged all of us to see existing prejudices and/or biases.</span> </p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/14620-alex-scioscia"> <a href="/live/profiles/14620-alex-scioscia">Alex Scioscia BA ’21</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Political science and German (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
<div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Either of the Intro to Constitutional Law classes I took with Professor Todd Lochner</strong> </h6>  <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> He’s very challenging and a bit unorthodox in his teaching—though I readily confess I was a mediocre student in his class. All that being said, Lochner has a way to poke and prod his students, challenging them to defend their views while also building up a more informed understanding and respect for the word of law and the U.S. Constitution.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17195-ocean-eale"> <a href="/live/profiles/17195-ocean-eale">Ocean Eale BA ’19</a> </div>  <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: German Studies </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Political Science </div> </div> </div> </div>

Complement Your Education With One of These Minors

The most popular minors for our German studies majors are economics, history, and political science.

What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark

My favorite class was Cold War Culture with Associate Professor Therese Augst. I was able to tap into both my knowledge of international affairs and German studies to evaluate what happened during this crucial period of history.
Tiffani Wong BA ’22
International Affairs, German Studies (double) | San Francisco, California
More about Tiffani
My two mentors are Professors Bob Mandel and Therese Augst. They work with me to find interesting opportunities to further my education, challenge me, boost my confidence and comfort in classes, and help me feel part of the L&C community.
Alie Cicero BA ’24
International Affairs, German (double) | Arcadia, California
More about Alie
My favorite class has been Key Monuments with Professor Benjamin David. He brought new and remarkable perspectives to Western art history. 10/10, would recommend!
Lucia Sheridan BA ’23
Psychology and German Studies (double) | Art and Art History | Saugatuck, Michigan
More about Lucia

What Can You Do With a Degree in German?

Our alumni use their BA in German in a variety of endeavors. In addition to receiving Fulbright and other grants to teach English or do research in German-speaking countries, our students pursue careers in teaching, academia, library science, cultural exchange, law, and other fields.

Dedicated Faculty

Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.

Invest in Yourself

A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.

Find Your People

The student-led German Club organizes numerous events on and off campus, including Oktoberfest, Sankt Martinstag, Fasching (Carnival), cooking and baking lessons, and excursions to local restaurants and film festivals. One of the oldest journals at L&C, Polyglot gives the opportunity to students of all levels to publish their work in German.

Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You

The most important thing I learned at L&C is that when trying to accomplish something, there isn’t necessarily one perfect recipe to follow. Having the confidence to forge one’s own path is incredibly valuable.
Niall Gifford BA ’22
German Studies and International Affairs (double)
More about Niall
L&C taught me how to engage with different fields of study, which has prepared me for my jobs and law school, and gave me the skills to think critically and analytically.
Nicolas Read BA ’18
German Studies and International Affairs (double)
More about Nicolas
Lewis & Clark taught me to look at the bigger picture and to approach my work holistically and with care. I have the tools to be more flexible in solving problems, and I can also take a step back when I need a better, more informed perspective on things.
Ocean Eale BA ’19
German Studies | Political Science
More about Ocean

German Studies Events

May 9

Graduate Breakfast!

Featured News

Migration in Germany (taught in English) offered this Spring!

Taking Flight: Germany and Migration (Taught in English, no German necesary)
GERM 230, MWF 9:10-10:10am
Fulfills Creative Arts, and Global Perspectives General Education requirements.

In this course, we will explore the richness and diversity of cultural expression generated around the topic of migration related to Germany. Study of films, short stories, novels, and autobiographical writings that examine what it means to take flight, to be in transit, to be suspended somewhere between departure and arrival, and to experience home as temporary and uncertain.

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Majors

Minors