State University of New York at New Paltz
German Program
German has been an important subject of study at New Paltz for the better part of two centuries. The Department of Foreign Languages currently offers three different programs in German: for students in liberal arts , as well as for those in elementary (Pre-K to 6) and secondary
education (7 to12).
Why German ?
Since the Middle Ages, German has been one of the most important languages in the world. Outside of Russia, Germany is today the most populous country in Europe. German is spoken by more people as their native language than any other in western Europe.
A knowledge of German is an invaluable tool for anyone seriously studying the history of our civilization with its social triumphs, its devastating wars and Holocaust, or its enduring achievements in music, philosophy, literature and the fine arts.
Numerous other fields, from modern physics to psychology, were pioneered by German minds and continue to receive valuable contributions from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
With the third largest economy in the world, Germany plays an increasingly important role in the still expanding European Union. Thus, in the coming millennium German will continue to be an important language for worldwide industry and international commerce .
Majors
Click here for detailed descriptions of the program requirements for majors in liberal arts, elementary and secondary education.
Minor
Students wishing a minor in German must complete 15 credits in German at the 300 level or above.
Graduate Studies
The Foreign Language does not have a program leading toward a graduate degree in foreign language. However, the department offers courses appropriate to graduate degrees in other departments.
It is possible to earn either a Master of Science in Education (7-12) or a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in German.
Because of the low number of students at the graduate level, they are likely to be taught on an independent study basis.
The coordinator of the German program is Dr. Peter D.G. Brown,
Distinguished Service Professor of German. Click here for Dr. Brown's homepage and further links to resources in German.
E-Mail
Click here to send E-mail to: Dr. Peter D.G. Brown (brownp@newpaltz.edu).
