See the world from a global perspective with a major or minor in German. From Kant to Kafka, and Gauss to Planck, Germany has produced some of the world’s most influential and enduring contributions to literature, philosophy, science, and mathematics. As a German student at RMC, you can choose to focus your studies on the language, to develop important communication and critical thinking skills, or the German studies track, where you’ll explore German-speaking cultures through literature, film, art, music, intellectual and political history. Since German is a valuable language for business and academic pursuits, many students combine their interest with other majors including political science, international studies, business and economics, biology, math or religious studies.
Major/Minor German
German up close In and Beyond the Classroom
Global Education
A semester or year abroad is a transformative experience for German majors. Randolph-Macon’s direct exchange program with Phillips Universität in Marburg is a popular option. A charming university town, Marburg is set in a river valley in the middle of Germany and offers some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in the country, as well as lots of cool cafes, restaurants, and entertainment. As a direct exchange student, your Phillips Universität courses transfer directly for Randolph-Macon credit. Interested in studying elsewhere? No problem. Through Randolph-Macon partner ISEP, you may also choose to study at other exciting universities in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
Hands-On Research
Through capstone research, independent study, or as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, German students are encouraged to pursue their own research on topics related to German culture, film, history, art and literature. A German faculty advisor mentors you throughout the research process. This hands-on research experience is yet another way to immerse yourself in your learning and equips you with valuable research and critical thinking stills that are applicable in a range of careers. Departmental awards, The Gerd and Johanne Gilhoff Award in German and the Prämienbücher Award, often honor students whose extraordinary dedication to the study of German language and culture includes a research project.
Advising and Mentorship
Modern languages department faculty take pride in guiding RMC students through their language and cross-cultural experiences with empathy and support. They foster community among students studying German, and more broadly languages at RMC, and guide not only your academic journey, but your future career.
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35the number of dialects in the German language
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155Mpeople speak German
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6countries designate German as the official language (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein)
German in full Courses You Won’t Want to Miss
GERM 245
Conversation and Film: The Context of the Two Wars
Learn how World War I and II affected German society and culture. Apply critical thinking skills to a range of films, texts, visual art and music to reflect on the nature of the political and social changes that influenced and shaped lives. Study Stefanie Zweig’s autobiographical account of her family’s risky self-exile to escape Nazi persecution; and analyze Bernhard Schlink’s novel The Reader about post-war German society and how it comes to terms with the Holocaust and the war in Germany.
GERM 305
Conversation in German: Diversity in German Culture
Analyze recent German history through the lens of migration and transculturation. Discuss literary and visual representations of migrants and social outcasts in German literature, film, music, and art. Examine the work of multiethnic writers and artists to explore concepts of otherness and belonging.
GERM 373
Advanced Business German
Learn how to use German in specific business-related contexts and function in business settings. Study current economic and political events related to the European Union, environmental issues, recent historical events, cultural issues that inform business practices, job search and job interviews, office organization and equipment, social meetings with business partners and small talk.
Opportunities Worth Grabbing
German Club
Deutsches Mittagessen
German Lunch Table gatherings
Kaffee & Kuchen
Learning German for coffee, cake, and conversation auf Deutsch.
From Here To What you can do with a German degree from RMC.
hallie lauder ’22
Legislative Intern
Office of Senator Christopher Coons
“As an International Studies major who specialized in Western Europe, learning the German language allowed me the ability to deeply connect to my area of study. I truly believe everyone should try to learn a new language. It is incredibly rewarding.”
Jeremy Binder ’05
Senior Manager of Publisher Operations
ZipRecruiter
daniella hafner ’21
Programs Assistant
Global Business School Network
nya burwell ’22
Student
VCU’s Premedical Graduate Health Sciences Program
“The German program became my second “Heimat” (home) during my four years at RMC. Not only did I learn the German language, but I also learned incredible aspects of German history. In the medical field, I regularly use the skills I learned from the German courses. I now know how to communicate with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, whether it be in a classroom or hospital setting. I also understand the importance of learning about other cultures and its history!
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RMC Visiting Assistant Professor Author of New Book
Lauren Nossett, a visiting assistant professor of German at Randolph-Macon College, is the author of The Virginal Mother in German Culture…
