The Major in German Studies

For students entering Wellesley in fall 2009 and later, the new, unified major in German Studies replaces the previous choice between a major in German Studies and German Language and Literature. Students who entered Wellesley before fall 2009 have the option to complete the current major requirements or the requirements in effect at the time they declared the major. With the approval of the department, courses taken abroad may count toward the major at the 200 level. Each student should consult with her departmental advisor about the best sequence of courses in her case. The major in German Studies requires a minimum of 9 units. The following courses constitute the minimum major:

• 201, 202
• Two 200-level courses above 202, at least one taught in German, numbered 231-285.
• One course in English from the list of “Related Courses” or one taught in English in the German Department.
• 325 or 329
• 389
• Two electives in German, one preferably at the 300 level.

The Minor in German Studies

For students entering Wellesley in fall 2009 and later, the minor in German Studies replaces the minor in German. GER 201 and 202 may count toward the six-unit minimum minor. One course from among 231, 233, 235, 237, 239 or equivalent is required. One 300-level unit is highly recommended. One unit may be a German Studies course from the list of “Related Courses” or one offered by the German department in English. With the approval of the department, courses taken abroad may count toward the minor. Students are encouraged to supplement the minor with any of the “Related Courses”. Each student should consult with her departmental advisor about the best sequence of courses in her case. The following courses constitute the minimum minor:

• 201, 202
• One 200-level course above 202, numbered 231-285.
• One course in English from the list of “Related Courses” or one taught in English in the German Department.
• Two electives in German, one preferably at the 300 level.

Honors Program

The department offers two plans for the honors program. Plan A (See Senior Thesis Research, 360 and 370) provides the opportunity for original work in language and literature or German studies, culminating in the writing of a longer paper or papers with an oral defense. Plan B, honors by examination, is open to candidates in language and literature only.Written and oral examinations are based on a reading list devised by the student under the guidance of an advisor. Plan B carries no course credit, but where appropriate, students may elect a unit of 350 to prepare a special author or project that would be included in the honors examination.