German Studies: Communication & Culture

Long the language of some of the world’s greatest minds—philosophers, scientists, authors—German has become the language of business throughout the European Union and is among the most commonly used language in the world today. Germany has the largest economy in the European Union (EU) and the fourth largest in the world. Many doors are opened by learning this language of commerce, business and literature. And because it exists on the same branch of the linguistic family tree as English, German is easier to learn than some other languages.

Bilingual ability and cross-cultural understanding are valued assets in all fields. Employers large and small regularly seek out German-speaking employees. Double majoring or minoring in German and another discipline will make you particularly attractive to employers. For example, if you combine German with marketing or journalism you’ll be a preferred candidate for positions in, radio and television, advertising and public relations. Likewise, you’ll have nearly unlimited career opportunities by combining German with a major or minor in any science, business, education, geography, sociology, or political science. 

Kutztown University offers a Bachelor of Arts and Minor in German Studies.

Communication and Culture

Students following the Communication and Culture track focus on German literature and linguistics. Courses include Applied Linguistics in German, German Composition & Conversation, German Culture & Civilization, German Short Story, German Film and German Drama among others.

Secondary Education B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education/German program not only gives students a sound basis in the German language, but also provides a strong knowledge of educational techniques. The program is coordinated between the Department of Modern Language Studies and the Secondary Education Department in the College of Education. Learn more about a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education/German. Courses include Applied Linguistics in German, German Short Story, Perspectives on American Education, Principles of Teaching, Perspectives on American Education and Instructional Technology in Education.

Minor Programs

German Communication and Culture and Pennsylvania German Studies are related minors. Students from other areas of study can fulfill this minor by completing 18 semester hours in courses such as Intermediate German, German Composition and Conversation, or Introduction to PA German Studies, and Introduction to Pennsylvania German Language.

Student Learning Outcomes