German Studies

Discover German Studies

The reunification of Germany and the creation of the European Union have been interpreted by many as sure signs that we were heading for a global world, which would demand of us that we act as post-national citizens. National narratives have resisted and challenged such a view, as is especially evident now in the context of the European currency crisis. Citizens of the various European nations hold fast to their national identities instead of making way for that new creation which Nietzsche called the good European. Germany’s new position of power within the European Union – celebrated by some, bemoaned by others – confirms that Germany’s historical significance will not remain confined to its tragic past: Germany is and will be a force to be reckoned with in the 21st century. As such, we believe that the relevance of German Studies has not vanished together with the last remnants of the Berlin Wall.

Why study German at Bishop’s?

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.

Program strengths

• The Language Labs offered by the German Language Assistant really help students strengthen what they’ve learned in class
• The German Studies program 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 Modern Languages Club, offers a variety of extra-curricular activities that help students improve their language skills: the conversation club or Stammtisch, the theatre workshop, Kaffee und Kuchen, the film club, culture kitchen, etc.

Popular courses

• GER370: Introduction to German Film:
  “Great course! Some of these films really changed my life. The prof is very helpful and makes the class interesting.”
• GER389: (De)Constructing Memory in Berlin:
  “The passion of the professor for the subject matter and her commitment to the students is outstanding!”

Did you know ?

• German ranks among the top 10 most frequently spoken languages in the world and the most widely spoken language in Europe
• 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.

Courses & Programs

Major in Modern Languages with Concentration in German Studies (30 credits)

International Major in German Studies (42 credits)

Minor in German Studies (24 credits)

Certificate in Modern Languages through Continuing Education (12-18 credits)

Timetable

Academic Calendar

Admission Process

Where can this lead me?

Our graduates moved on to exciting careers in the following areas:

• Graduate School
• Management and Business
• Public and International Service
• Communications, Media and Journalism
• Translation
• Tourism
• Human Ressources
• Teaching and Education

Prizes

Every year, three prizes are awarded to German students for academic excellence. The following students were awarded prizes for the academic year 2014-2015:

• Federal Republic of Germany Prize: Vassilia Vandersleyen
• Republic of Austria Prize: Philippe Laporte
• Ambassador of Switzerland Prize in German: Amelia Quessy

Congratulations to all three of them!

Exchange Programs

Students have the opportunity to spend a semester or a full year abroad, thanks to exchange agreements between Quebec (CREPUQ) and 10 different universities in Germany. For more information, please visit the
Student Exchange and Study Abroad Programs web page.