Minor in German Studies – Frequently Asked Questions

How many semester hours is the minor?

• The minor requires 20 semester hours above German 121.

Can I get minor credit for my AP score or a good placement test score?

• Elon will grant graduation credits for that, but not minor credits. The university wants students to improve on what they’re already capable of after high school—there is no minor you can earn by taking one or two courses.

I have a high placement test score, but I’d like to start in a lower course. Is that OK?

• Yes. If, for example, you place into GER 222 but would like to start with GER 221 (one level lower), you can simply register for the lower course. To drop two levels, you’ll need to ask the German faculty for permission.

What are the requirements?

• Required courses are listed below. German 222 is strongly encouraged, as is study abroad. Note that the Heidelberg summer program requires you to have German 122; the Heidelberg and Reutlingen semester programs require you to have German 222.

Required Courses
GER 121 Introductory German
GER 122 Introductory German II
GER 221 Intermediate German

Electives
GER 222 Intermediate German II (highly encouraged)
GER 321 Developing Fluency / Conversation & Composition
GER 300IS Study abroad courses
ENG 255 Holocaust Literature
ENG 302 History of the English Language
GST 218 The Kafkaesque
GST 227 Nazi Perpetrators on Stage, Page, and Screen
GST 240 Holocaust Journey
GST 272* Gutenberg to Film (winter)
GST 274* European Union (winter)
HST 335 Growth of Modern Europe 1789-1914
HST 336 Europe 1914-1945
HST 337 Europe 1945-Present
HST 338 Germany: War, Democracy, Hitler
HST 339 History of the Holocaust
PHL 338 Nietzsche
PHL 339 Martin Buber
PHL 373 Philosophy and the Holocaust
PHL 433 Marx, Darwin, Freud
REL 225* Contemporary Theologians
REL 337 Theologians Under Hitler
POL 364* Politics of Europe
HST 460* Senior Seminar (HST majors only)
*These courses may or may not count, depending on the specific focus in the semester you take it. Contact Dr. Windham or Dr. Neville about receiving German Studies credit for these courses.

Can I get credit for courses not on the list?

• Yes. You can petition Dr. Windham or Dr. Neville to approve other courses on a case-by-case basis.

Can I get credit for study abroad courses?

• Yes. You can get credit for summer or semester abroad courses. Many of the courses at our study abroad sites—Heidelberg, Aachen, Reutlingen, and the University of Applied Sciences in Austria—count for the minor. See Dr. Windham or Dr. Neville before selecting your courses.