Lingua Franca

A New Minor for World Languages: German?

by J. Douglas Guy

The World Languages Department is exploring the possibility of establishing a Minor in German to compliment minors in other departmental languages. In this scenario, students would complete the Elementary German sequence, GER 101/102, and the Intermediate German sequence, GER 201/202, and pursue coursework related to German in other departments, such as history, music, international business, art and philosophy, to complete area studies work. Students would also have the opportunity to complete a summer, a semester or a full year abroad at Salem State’s new partner school in Germany, the University of Mannheim (Universität Mannheim) and receive full credit from Salem State toward their degree.

German is the native language of 24% of all citizens of the European Union, making it the most spoken language in Europe. It is an official language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein and it is spoken in other areas, such as eastern France, making it easy to travel the length and breadth of central Europe with this one language. As a dominant language in international business and politics and a powerhouse in modern engineering and green technologies, knowledge of German will be hugely beneficial for students’ 21^st century careers. Anyone interested in discussing a minor in German is encouraged to see acting chair Prof. Elizabeth Blood or either of the German instructors, J. Douglas Guy or Spencer Wolf.

American students building a pyramid in front of the Reichstag, Berlin