The Germany in a Globalized World (GGW) track with International Studies is for students who are interested in developing in-depth knowledge of German language, literature, and culture with a special focus on transcultural analysis and critical thought. Students pursuing the GGW track will have the possibility to double major or major/minor in International Studies and German.

Germany’s status as one of the world’s largest export economies and its geographical position at the center of Europe make it an ideal case for studying the history and dynamics of globalization.  Students will develop their German language skills to understand the specific contributions of Germany to issues of large contemporary and historical concern. These contributions include the unique legacy of German thought. This extensive intellectual tradition has had a substantial impact on political theory, history, sociology, and economics—the disciplines that are fundamental for pursuing a major in International Studies.

Key topics and themes include:

  • German history, politics, and culture in an international perspective
  • German language, literature, and thought
  • The constitution of social meaning through language and other media
  • Intercultural differences in a changing global environment
  • Language and identity

Declaring the Germany in a Globalized World Track

International Studies students wishing to declare the track must complete the following steps:

  1. Make an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies for German and with the International Studies Program Director or Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies to notify them of your intent to pursue the double major or major/minor track.
  2. Declare German as your second major or minor by completing the electronic major declaration form located in SIS under the Registration tab and Online Forms.

Requirements

Along with the International Studies major requirements, students following the GGW track must complete the following:

German 2nd Major

Students will be required to demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to the completion of advanced German. In addition to the language requirement, and the remaining requirements for the International Studies major, students will take seven courses to complete the GGW track. Five of the seven courses must be seminars taught in German. With the consent of the German DUS, one of these five courses can be replaced by an English-taught seminar. Students must receive a C- or better in all courses counted for the double major in International Studies and German.

German Minor

Students will be required to demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to the completion of advanced German. In addition, students will take four courses to complete the major-minor track. Three of the four courses must be seminars taught in German. With the consent of the German DUS, one of these three courses can be replaced by an English-taught seminar.

German Program

German at Hopkins is a small but well-known program. An excellent student-faculty ratio assures close, personal attention and individualized advising. Juniors benefit from our participation in the Berlin Consortium of German Studies (BCGS), one of the most prestigious German study abroad programs, which allows International Studies majors to directly enroll at one of the three Berlin universities. BCGS also assists students with finding internships in their field of interest.

Students interested in BCGS should contact the German Program’s Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Honors

To receive honors in German, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in your courses counted toward the German major
  • Enroll in the German Honors Program (213.509/510) and complete a senior thesis

Contact

Dr. Jacob Haubenreich
Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, German Program, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
[email protected]