Frequently Asked Questions
• How many courses do I need total for a German major or minor?
12 for the major, 7 for the minor.
• How many upper-division courses taught in German do I need for the major or minor?
You need six courses taught in German for the major, and four for the minor.
• How many upper division courses must be taken at UCI?
Six of the twelve courses for the major must be taken at UCI. Four courses of the total of seven for the minor must be taken at UCI.
• Can I count courses from other departments at UCI?
Yes, for the major, up to three courses taught in English from other departments can count toward the major, including those taken during an exchange program. One such course can count toward the minor. Consult with the Undergraduate Advisor for approval of individual courses taught outside the department.
• Study abroad?
YES! Participation in UC’s EAP program is recommended for German Studies majors and minors. For Information, contact the Director of Study-Abroad (http://www.cie.uci.edu).
• Do all courses taken abroad count toward the German Studies major or minor?
The department makes every effort to count all of your work relevant to the German major or minor toward the requirements, within the limits allowed. With any planned or completed courses abroad, it is imperative that you communicate as early as possible with the undergraduate advisor.
• Can I count courses taken for Credit/No Credit?
No, unless this is the ONLY grade option offered by the professor.
• Can I count German 1A-B-C or 2A-B-C toward the major or minor?
No. Major and minor requirements begin at the third-year level.
• Can I count AP credit?
No. AP units can only be used to determine placement in language courses, including German 100A-B-C.
• Can I count transfer credit?
Yes. AFTER transfer units are approved by Registrar and appear on your transcript, you may petition the undergraduate advisor to have these units count towards your major or minor. This will be considered part of the allowed courses from outside the department.
• I have taken German through 2C at UCI or the equivalent. How do I know I’m ready for an upper-division class in German?
This is a common fear, but the German 100 series is intended to prepare students for upper-division work. They allow students to develop their speaking, writing, and reading skills. Students can transition into German 101 or other literature courses without undue difficulty.
• How large are upper-division German courses?
One great advantage to taking German courses is that they are small. Courses taught in German typically have 8-15 students. Students and professors get to know each other well and there is plenty of opportunity for individual attention.
• Further questions?
Contact Anke Biendarra at Anke Biendarra.