German is the third most studied foreign language in the world, and, at UWM, we offer more than just instruction in language. In addition to German fluency, students learn how to apply that fluency by studying German culture, literature, customs, and history.

Wisconsin has a strong German heritage and many students find it both professionally useful and personally satisfying to explore the State's German influences. Many may come into college having already taken German in high school. Students can take a placement test to determine their starting course and may be able to earn retroactive credits if they place above the level of GERMAN 101.

Fluency in German can provide a career advantage in all types of industries where Germany and other German-speaking countries are leaders: finance, marketing, manufacturing, politics, government work, electronics and technology, chemical and biochemical, environmental science, and architecture. At UWM, language students receive an education in not just language fluency but also in the culture surrounding that language. Context matters in communication, and we believe it is important for students to understand the history, literature, and customs of native speakers of German in order to successfully apply their fluency.

Students are encouraged to participate in UWM's well-established study abroad program. Destinations are available in more than 70 sites around the world and vary in length from a few week immersion, to semester-long, to even a full year. Because of the complexities of planning a study abroad experience, students are encouraged to start planning early in sophomore year. Most students engage in study abroad during the second half of sophomore year or during their junior year.

Requirements

The College of Letters & Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including any transfer work. The minor in German requires a minimum of 21 credits. At least 12 of these credits must be at the 300 level or above and taken in residence at UWM.

Core courses
GERMAN 204Fourth-Semester German3
GERMAN 331German Grammar in Practice3
GERMAN 332Presentation and Composition3
Take at least one of these:3-6
Texts and Contexts
Introduction to German Studies
Electives
Select 6-9 additional credits in courses taught in German program at the 300 level or above, or 3-6 credits from German courses numbered 300 and above plus 3 credits from the pre-approved electives in other subjects listed below6-9
Total Credits21

Pre-Approved Electives

ARTHIST 205History of Film I: Development of an Art3
ARTHIST 206History of Film II: Development of an Art3
ARTHIST 357Rococo to Revolution: European Art, 1750-18503
ARTHIST 364Modernism and the Avant-Garde, 1900-19603
ARTHIST 366German Painting, 1800-19333
ARTHIST 465Dada and Surrealist Art3
FILMSTD 205History of Film I: Development of an Art3
FILMSTD 206History of Film II: Development of an Art3
GEOG 330Europe: East and West3
GERMAN 111German Life and Civilization: Part I3
GERMAN 112German Life and Civilization: Part II:3
GERMAN 145Views of Germany:3
HIST 203The History of Medieval Europe: The Early Middle Ages3
HIST 204The History of Medieval Europe: The High Middle Ages3
HIST 241Women and Gender in Europe: 1350 to 17503
HIST 248The First World War3
HIST 249The Second World War in Europe3
HIST 363Germany: Hitler and the Nazi Dictatorship3
HIST 364The Holocaust: Anti-Semitism & the Fate of Jewish People in Europe, 1933-453
HIST 371Topics in European History:3
HIST 379Introduction to Jewish History3
JEWISH 261Representing the Holocaust in Words and Images3
MUSIC 211General History of Western Music I3
MUSIC 212General History of Western Music II3
MUSIC 246German and French Lyric Diction1
MUSIC 307General History of Western Music III3
MUSIC 311Music of the Baroque Era3
MUSIC 312Music of the Classic Era3
MUSIC 313Music of the Romantic Era3
MUSIC 314Music since 19003
MUSIC 377Song Literature I: Italy, Germany, France, Great Britain2
PHILOS 435Existentialism3
PHILOS 437Phenomenology3
POL SCI 334German Politics and the New Europe3
POL SCI 339European Integration3
POL SCI 382Modern Political Thought3

Letters & Science Minor Advising

Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.

Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a UWM college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.

Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first UWM classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.