- Director
- Claudia Grossmann
- Professors
- John Barlow (Emeritus), Gabrielle Bersier, Giles Hoyt (Emeritus)
- Associate Professor
- Daniel Nützel
- Senior Lecturer
- Claudia Grossmann
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
- Ruth Reichmann
- Adjunct Associate Professor
- Julie A. Belz
- Academic Advising
- Cavanaugh Hall 501D, (317) 274-3943
The IUPUI German program trains students to achieve linguistic proficiency and crosscultural competency in German. Linguistic proficiency is the ability to communicate orally and in writing about subjects of common knowledge in the target language. A step-by-step systematic progression of language courses aids students to achieve fluency in German and allows them later to concentrate on chosen areas of linguistic specialization.
To gain crosscultural competency, students acquire a solid knowledge of contemporary life in the German-speaking countries and learn to compare their institutions, customs, and mentalities with contemporary U.S. culture. Students also gain intercultural competency through critical knowledge of the historical and cultural movements and personalities that have had the most impact on contemporary culture in the German-speaking countries, especially Germany.
In addition, all students in the program have the option of studying in Germany or Austria for a limited or extended period of time, or to gain practical career experience in business or technology by working as an intern overseas or in a local international corporation.
Courses in German not only broaden students' cultural horizons by giving them immediate access to a key region of central Europe, but also prepare students for a variety of careers in international business communication, translation, travel, education, and technology exchange. By combining the study of another discipline with specialization in German, students can also prepare more thoroughly and adequately for graduate studies.
Honors
Honors in German can be achieved either through an honors degree or through the H-Option in individual courses. For the Honor's Degree, a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 in German courses must be achieved. 24 credit hours of coursework must be earned with honors, with a minimum of 18 credits in German courses above the 100 level. Honors credits through the H-option are available in upper-division language courses, as well as upper division literature, film, culture, and topics courses taught in German.
Foreign Study
Any form of foreign study is highly recommended, and the department gives credit for such study wherever possible. Outstanding students with a substantial command of German, a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a B average in German courses may apply for the Overseas Study academic year program in Freiburg, Germany, during their junior year. Up to 30 IU credit hours may be earned through the program. Semester programs are also available in Freiburg. A summer program is offered in Graz, Austria, for students who have completed course work through G225. In addition, students who completed first-year German may earn transfer credits through an intensive three-week program in Oldenburg, Germany. Contact the German Program or International Affairs.
Internship in Baden-Württemberg
Students in the Schools of Liberal Arts; Science, Engineering, and Technology; and Business may apply for a two-month summer internship with a German firm in southwestern Germany. Advanced standing, a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and German language skills are required. Each area of the exchange has a specific language requirement. Three credits may be earned.
Other Activities
German Club The department sponsors a German Club, open to all interested students. Various topics are discussed and events of cultural interest are presented during the academic year.
Max Kade German-American Center The Center is established to facilitate research and teaching in German-American Studies and also offers two awards annually for students to study German overseas, two graduate fellowships, and a scholarship for the Dual-Degree Program in Engineering and German.