German Studies Section

Bishop's University has a mandate to provide students with a "sound and liberal education primarily at the undergraduate level". In the context of a general education in the Liberal Arts, studying German is both sensible and useful. The German language is relevant for virtually all disciplines in the Humanities (Archaeology, Art History, Music, Philosophy etc.) as well as some disciplines in the sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Psychology etc.). With the unification of Europe and the consolidation of Europe's currency, German has acquired significance as a language of business.

The German Studies Section at Bishop's provides students with an understanding of German culture through the study of German language, civilization, and literature. It is our aim to expose students to an up-to-date picture of Germany through the use of contemporary literary and non-literary texts and through diverse media (films, documentaries, audio-visual material, internet resources etc.).

We are further convinced that contrasting one's own culture with a foreign culture not only broadens one's horizons and increases awareness, but it can be simply a suspenseful, exciting, and fun adventure.

• The Language Labs offered by the German Language Assistant really help students strengthen what they've learned in class
• The German Studies programme puts a strong emphasis on developing students' communicative skills whether through discussions, oral presentations or regular writing practices
• The German Studies Section, in collaboration with the German Club, offers a variety of extra-curricular activities that help students improve their language skills: the conversation club or Stammtisch, the theatre workshop, the annual immersion weekend in Mont Saint-Hilaire, etc.

• Introduction to German Film
• German Drama
• Women in German Literature and Culture

• German ranks among the top 10 most frequently spoken languages in the world.
• Around 3 million Canadians are of German origin while 43 million Americans have German ancestors.
• Almost 20 million people learn German worldwide.
• Over 78,895 new books are published in Germany each year, 18% of worldwide publishing, making Germany the third largest publisher of books in the world after the USA and Japan.
• Germany has the largest economy in the European Union and the third largest in the world. It is the world's largest exporter and importer.