Embrace all aspects of Germany, including history, culture, arts and politics, in the German area studies program. Working closely with department faculty, you’ll be able to tailor your studies to your interests. You’ll develop an awareness and appreciation of cultural differences and be able to reflect on the world and yourself through the lens of another language. Primarily designed as a minor, students wanting to focus in German area studies can work with their adviser to create an individual major if they choose.
German area studies students looking to engage more in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Past examples of Honors projects include:
Learn to cook German meals at the Intercultural Affairs Center or attend guest lectures on German immigration policy held by the Fisher Center for the Study of Gender and Justice.
At Hobart and William Smith, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.
Study architecture in Berlin or physics in Leipzig.
Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.
Students applying to programs in Germany can also apply for financial support under the Julius G. Blocker ’53 Endowed Fund. Some programs in Germany are available only to Blocker Fellows.
Courses in German area studies highlight the diversity and inclusiveness of German culture and foreground diverse voices from German history. Issues surrounding historically underrepresented groups, as well as contributions by women, are common features of coursework. Recent examples include Lou-Andreas Salomë, Vicki Baum; Hannah Höch, Yoko Tawada, Fatih Akin among others.
Learn the language and build your cultural and historical knowledge of Germany.
Learn the German language and foster inter-cultural competence by infusing historical knowledge, cultural artifacts, and social structures.
Explore the streets and spaces of Germany’s capital, the stories it holds and how they came to signify German identity throughout the country’s history.
Build on your German language skills and acclimate yourself to German culture, including through film, text, politics, music and pop culture.
Studying German in college was one of Stephen’s goals after high school. A semester in Leipzig as a Blocker Fellow would be the springboard to a career abroad as a scientist.
