The following areas of knowledge are central to the acquisition of a German Minor:

1. An awareness of the fundamental outlines of German history and literature, from the Middle Ages to the present
2. Familiarity with major German writers and representative works
3. Familiarity with the historical context of which particular German literary and artistic words are part
4. An awareness of basic critical methodologies in the study of different genres of literature
5. An awareness of the historical development of modern Germany as a manifestation of the particular cultural history of the region

In addition, students completing a German Minor are expected to acquire the following skills:

1. The ability to read modern German at a level at which sophisticated literary analysis can be performed
2. The ability to write and speak German sufficiently to participate in critical discussions and write critical essays
3. The ability to speak and comprehend German sufficiently for all situations in daily life and for basic academic conversation
4. The ability to analyze and interpret literary texts in terms of style, structure, character, themes, and use of allusion
5. The ability to communicate such interpretations competently in both German and English

The department uses an independently developed, objective examination to evaluate development of skills 1, 2, and 3, the ability to understand, read, write, and speak German. The Goethe Institute examination Zertifikat Deutsch includes tests of listening comprehension, writing, reading comprehension and structural analysis, and oral proficiency. It is an internationally recognized tool to ascertain a student's proficiency in the German language.

All skills (but particularly skills 4 and 5) are covered by the Goethe Institute's mid-level exam, Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung, which is the goal for a completed Minor. The examination is considered difficult, and if passed, is proof of considerable accomplishment in language learning. Students taking the Mittelstufenprüfung should also have spent at least a year in Germany. Getting a high grade on the Mittelstufenprüfung means that the student will usually be taken for a fairly highly educated native, will have no difficulty in participating actively in any discussion, will be able to express him/ herself intelligently and correctly in writing, and will have no problem reading sophisticated texts.

COURSES

For more detailed information, visit SEU's Registrar.

Required:

• GERM 2311 German III, Intermediate Level (3 hours)
• GERM 2312 German IV, Intermediate Level (3 hours)

Choose 12 hours from the following electives for a total of 18 hours:               
(*This is a 3-hour course which can be repeated for credit as topics vary.)

• GERM 3331 Advanced Culture/Civilization of Modern Germany (3 hours)
• GERM 3334 Business German (3 hours)
• GERM 3335 Advanced Conversation and Composition (3 hours)
• GERM 3338* Topics in Language, Literature, or Culture (3 hours)
• GERM 4350 Internship (3 hours)

Students pursuing a minor in German are encouraged to attend the German Summer School in Taos, New Mexico (sponsored by the Goethe Institute), where they may earn up to 7 credit hours toward the minor.

In collaboration with the Goethe Institute, Houston, the German department offers the following internationally recognized language examinations, which test reading, writing, listening, and oral communications skills:

Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache (ZDaF)
Prerequisite: GERM 2312 or equivalent.
Significance: Because of its world-wide reputation, highly regarded by private and public sector employers as proof of a basic knowledge of German.

Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf (ZDfB)
Prerequisite:GERM 2312 or equivalent.
Similar to the ZDaF, but also includes specific business vocabulary and business text.

Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP)
Prerequisite: ZDaF, GERM 3338 or equivalent.
Significance: World-wide reputation; helpful in job hunting as proof of a sound general knowledge of German.

Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)
Prerequisite: GERM 3338 and ZMP or equivalent.
Significance: Final examination for the Goethe-Institute advanced level. Entitles students to study at German Universities.