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, Özdamar, 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 are required to contact the department 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. Please check the department's web site at www.chass.utoronto.ca/german for more information.

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
Address: 50 St. Joseph Street, Odette Hall #322
Tel.: 416-926-2324
Email: german@chass.utoronto.ca
Website: 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 Senior high school 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 are required to contact the Department for details on placement tests.

All degree students are recommended to seek counselling early on in their programs. Updated information can also be found online: http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/german/

Please note: (a) All courses are offered in German; courses taught in English are followed by an “E” in parentheses; (b) the German Department does not allow course auditing.

Specialist program

(10 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER100Y1, GER200Y1, GER300Y1, GER400H1
2. GER150H1 (to be taken within the first two years of studies; GER310H1 in all other cases)
3. GER205H1, GER305H1
4. At least 3.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 300-level
5. At least 1.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 400-level
6. No more than 2 F.C.E. courses taught in English
7. Preapproved cognate courses may count toward the program

Please note: (a) GER150H1 must be taken within the first two year of study; (b) students must complete GER205H1 before taking ANY 300-level topic courses (i.e. typically in the second year, concurrently with GER200Y1); (c) students must complete GER305H1 before taking ANY 400-level topic courses; (d) 300-level courses may be replaced by 400-level courses (inquire in advance); (e) all specialists should schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Coordinator for personalized counselling as early in their studies as possible.

Major program:

(7 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER100Y1, GER200Y1, GER300Y1, GER400H1
2. GER150H1 (to be taken within the first two years of studies; GER310H1 in all other cases)
3. GER205H1, GER305H1
4. At least 1.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 300-level
5. At least 0.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 400-level
6. No more than 1.5 F.C.E. courses taught in English
7. Preapproved cognate courses may count toward the program

Please note: (a) GER150H1 must be taken within the first two year of study; (b) students must complete GER205H1 before taking ANY 300-level topic courses (i.e. typically in the second year, concurrently with GER200Y1); (c) students must complete GER305H1 before taking ANY 400-level topic courses; (d) 300-level courses may be replaced by 400-level courses (inquire in advance); (e) all majors should schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Coordinator for personalized counselling as early in their studies as possible.

Minor program:

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER100Y1, GER200Y1, GER300Y1
2. At least 0.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 300-level
3. The remainder of the four courses or equivalent must have a GER designator
4. No more than 0.5 F.C.E. may be taken in English

Business German (Arts program)

Minor Program:

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER100Y1, GER200Y1, GER300Y1
2. GER370H1, GER372H1
3. The remainder of the four courses or equivalent must have a GER designator
4. No courses may be taken in English.

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, GER200Y1, GER300Y1, GER400H1
2. The remainder of the six courses must have a GER designator
3. At least 1.5 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 300-level
4. At least 1.0 additional F.C.E. in GER courses on the 400-level
5. No more than 1 F.C.E. GER in courses taught in English

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 20 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.

Al and Malka Green Yiddish Program (Arts Program)

Minor program

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

1. GER260Y1, GER360H1, GER462H1
2. The remaining courses should be taken from GER261H1, GER361H1, GER362H1, GER365H1; or GER100Y1, GER490H1/490Y1, ENG256Y1, HIS208Y1/HIS433H1, SLA202H1, DTS 200 and other pre-approved cognate courses