2017-2018

German, Minor

Department of Global Languages and Cultures

College of Arts and Letters

Students in this minor gain proficiencies in German language, composition, and stylistics, with an exposure to German culture and literature. Proficiencies are demonstrated by an international German proficiency exam.

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 20
Major GPA C
Foreign Language Required

Purpose Statement

The German minor prepares students to be able to interact orally and in writing with interlocutors used to dealing with non-native German speakers in basic social situations. Students can also expect to be able to comprehend simple, authentic written and oral texts dealing with well-known topics related to work, studies, and leisure. The minor will also provide learners with an awareness of certain cultural nuances and socio-political issues of the German-speaking world, which will allow them to more easily participate in global organizations and projects. Students who complete the German minor will have the necessary foundation for continued professional development of their communication skills in German, giving them an edge in the domestic and global job market.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Orally express ideas in German through meaningful discussion of concrete topics relating to work, school, home, and leisure activities using all major time frames (present, past, and future). Students can interact with native speakers unaccustomed to dealing with non- natives, and handle complicated or unexpected communicative tasks. (Speaking skills)
  • When listening to others, be able to identify and use main ideas and details from the conversation, including description and narration in different time frames or aspects, about a variety of topics beyond immediacy of the situation, to communicate meaningfully with others. (Listening skills)
  • Identify and use main ideas and details from authentic, connected, longer, written texts involving description and narration in different formats about a variety of topics for communicative purposes. (Reading skills)
  • Create with language to express meanings in written form about familiar topics using the major time frames with some control of aspect. (Writing skills)

Minor Requirements

  • Take the following 20 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:

    • At least 12 units of GER courses at the 300-level or above. (12 units)
    • GER courses at the 200-level or above. (8 units)
    You must have at least 6 classroom units in German; you can’t satisfy all minor requirements with credits from CLEP exams.

    Additionally, you may only take lower-level GER courses if you have not already taken advanced GER coursework. For instance, after you’ve completed 200-level GER courses, you can’t take GER courses at the 100 level; after completing a 300-level courses you can’t take 100- or 200-level courses.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.