专业描述

German studies is an interdisciplinary major that deals broadly with the entire German-speaking region, which includes not only Germany but also Austria, Switzerland, and, historically, parts of what are now Poland, the Czech Republic, Latvia, and other countries. Whether one thinks of philosophy, music, art, education, religion, or political and social history, German culture has exercised a profound and often decisive influence on Europe. Some of the most important ideological debates in Western culture have arisen in the German-speaking area, and changes in German culture and society have sometimes had devastating effects on world history. Events and political developments of recent years — such as the unification of East and West Germany and the emergence of the German-speaking region of Europe as a major player in world affairs — have had important impacts. A German studies major provides students with an intellectually diverse program — covering history, history of art and visual culture, literature, and philosophy — in which students and faculty come together in exciting and demanding pursuits.