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Germanic Languages and Literatures


On this page: Introduction | Programs |
See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions | Course Winter Timetable |

Introduction

German-speaking countries enjoy a long tradition at the cultural and political core of Europe. During the last two hundred years their importance has steadily increased, and with the recent developments in eastern Europe their influence seems certain to expand even more.

The importance of the German language has grown correspondingly: it is the second foreign language after English in the countries of central and Eastern Europe, and its use is spreading within the European Community. Learning German opens the door to many fields of intellectual, technical and politico-economic endeavor. German scholars have been leaders in philosophy, the sciences, history, archaeology, sociology and political science. German literature is equally distinguished: writers like Goethe, Kafka, Rilke, Brecht, Mann, Wolf, Grass, Jelinek, etc., have dealt with the widest possible range of human problems and concerns, and have been recognized worldwide.

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures offers courses on literature from the Middle Ages to the present, so that the student may acquire an overview of this significant element of German life and culture. We offer language courses from beginning and intermediate to advanced levels, with practice in reading, writing, comprehending and speaking German, as well as stylistics, linguistics, and the specialized vocabulary and concepts of business. Language and literature instruction is integrated as far as possible, with the aim of teaching students advanced critical literacy in German. The department offers a minor in Yiddish, with instruction offered from beginning and intermediate to advanced levels. German combines well with other modern languages and literatures, and double-majors are encouraged. Students in a variety of programs, such as Cinema Studies, European Studies, Literary Studies, Drama, and others, will benefit from courses in German language, literature and culture.

The Department supports opportunities for students to study and work in Germany, by encouraging participation in programs established by the German government, by Canadian universities, and by our own Arts and Science Faculty’s “Study Elsewhere Program.” One of these is the exchange program under which Toronto students can spend the academic year at the Humboldt University in Berlin.

A knowledge of German is a virtual necessity for specialists in many disciplines; it is also very useful in certain career areas (e.g., the foreign service, interpretation and translation, librarianship, business and commerce, music, tourism, and of course teaching). The successful completion of a four-year program, including seven approved courses in German, may entitle the student to enter the M.A. or Ph.D. program in the Graduate Division of the Department.

Students entering with some previous knowledge of German but without an OAC or equivalent qualification may be asked to write an initial assessment test and will then be advised to take courses at the appropriate level. Students who have taken German in high school to OAC or equivalent level will normally begin with GER200Y1.
Information on studies in German Language and/or Literature can be obtained from the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies.

Enquiries: Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, 50 St. Joseph Street, Room 322 (416-926-2324).

E-mail: german@chass.utoronto.ca
Web site: www.chass.utoronto.ca/german

German Programs

German Studies (Arts program)

Enrolment in the Specialist and Major programs is open to students who have successfully completed four courses and who have the required competence in German. Students without OAC German or equivalent should arrange their courses in consultation with the Department. Students who have any prior experience with German and are taking any GER language course for the first time should contact the Department for details on placement tests.

Specialist program:

(10 full courses or their equivalent)

The Specialist Program requires that at least four of the ten courses must be at the 300+ level and a minimum one full course at the 400+ level.
1. GER100Y1, GER150H1
2. GER200Y1, GER205H1
3. GER300Y1, GER305H1, GER310H1
4. GER400H1
5 The remainder of the courses must be chosen from: GER courses at the 200+ level. Of these courses not more than 2 full courses may be taken in English. Permission may be granted to count cognate courses from other departments.

Major program:

(7 full courses or their equivalent)

The Major Program requires that at least three of the seven courses must be at the 300+ level.

1. GER100Y1, GER150H1
2. GER200Y1, GER205H1
3. GER300Y1, GER305H1, GER310H1
4. The remainder of the courses must be chosen from GER courses at the 200+ level. Permission may be granted to count cognate courses from other departments. No more than 1.5 full courses may be taken in English.

Minor program:

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

Four GER full course equivalents, which must be approved by the Department before enrolment in the Second Year. One of these courses must be a 300-level course. No more than 0.5 full courses may be taken in English.

Business German (Arts program)

Minor Program:(4 full courses or their equivalent)

Four GER full course equivalents, including GER370H1 and GER470H1. The remainder of the four courses or equivalent must have a GER designator.

German and Linguistics (Arts program)

Specialist Program

This specialist program consists of 13 or 14 courses in linguistics and German

Linguistics

For the linguistics requirement, see “Linguistics and Languages Other than English.

German:

(6 full courses or their equivalent)
1. GER100Y1
2. GER200Y1
3. GER300Y1
4. GER400 H1
5. The remainder of the six courses must have a GER designator.

Faculty of Arts & Science Language Citation

The Department of German participates in the Faculty of Arts and Science’s Language Citation initiative for German. The study of German is a demanding and intellectually rewarding educational experience, providing students with excellent resources for understanding the culture of the German speaking world. German is now the second foreign language after English in the countries of central and Eastern Europe, and its use is spreading within the European Community. Learning German opens the door to many intellectual, technical, political, and economic fields. Successful study of German demonstrates intelligence, discipline, analytical sophistication, and an excellent memory. The study of any foreign language provides invaluable insights into the varieties of human culture and expression.

The Language Citation recognizes a significant level of achievement in language study with a high level of academic success. The Citation in German is available to students who complete GER100Y1 (or the equivalent prerequisite training) and earn a grade of at least B- in GER200Y1 and GER300Y1.

Students should note that, as explained on page 21 of this Calendar, the Language Citation is not equivalent to an academic program and that enrolment in a program is not necessary in order to earn the recognition bestowed by the Citation.

German - See also Modern Languages and Literatures; Linguistics and Languages

Al and Malke Green Yiddish Program (Arts Program)

Minor program:

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER260Y1
2. GER360H1
3. GER361H1/GER362H1/GER363Y1/GER364H1
4. GER462H1
5. The remaining courses should be taken from: GER490H1/490Y1, ENG256Y1, GER100Y1, HIS208Y1/HIS433H1, SLA202H1 or other approved cognate courses.