German (B.A.)
In addition to the major in German, BU offers language instruction in Chinese, French, Italian, Latin, Russian and Spanish. A student interested in a teaching career may elect German as an area of specialization leading to a Bachelor of Science in Education.
The languages and cultures curriculum serves to enhance the quality of the students' liberal arts education with an international and multicultural perspective.
Those with limited knowledge of German can begin with foundation courses in the language and work with their adviser to organize general education requirements to support interests and career goals.
Then you'll take advanced courses in German, study applied phonetics and pronounciation, the structure of the German language, German daily life and customs, culture and civilization, twentieth century writers, contemporary issues in German media and masterpieces of German literature. You can then choose from an array of specialized courses in German as electives.
The Department of Languages and Cultures also offers degree programs in French and Spanish, and minors in German, French and Spanish as well as a concentration in Chinese and courses in Russian and Italian.
Those who wish to teach German in secondary schools enroll as secondary education majors with certification in German and take all the courses required of German majors as well as professional education courses in teaching.
Study Abroad in Jena, Germany - Bloomsburg University offers an exchange program with the Friedrich-Schiller-Universitt in Jena, Germany. The Jena program is open to all Bloomsburg University students who have had at least two years of college German or the equivalent. Jena offers a broad range of courses for exchange students, such as German Language, Culture, Literature, Intercultural Business and Communication. Students are placed in courses after taking a placement test in Jena. The exchange usually takes place in spring semester. Students are encouraged to participate in their sophomore or junior years.
Studying another language helps students become more competitive after graduation. Employers and graduate schools are receiving an ever-increasing number of applications from qualified students and are looking for something special. A foreign language may be the ticket to a rewarding career in the areas of international business, education, health care, tourism, foreign service, management and social service, to mention just a few. No matter what field you specialize in today, you stand to benefit from the study of another language and culture because it provides you with a broader view of the world and an additional marketable skill.
Additionally, knowledge of another language fosters greater awareness of cultural diversity among the peoples of the world and allows greater appreciation of other people's values and ways of life.
Those who learn a second or third language also gain greater insight into their native language and culture. Knowledge of a second language, therefore, not only allows you to learn about others, you also learn more about yourself. Not only that, study of another language helps students comprehend the intricate connections between language and thought and thereby enhances higher-order thinking skills.
Individual Practice - Audio tapes, videotapes and compact disks for language courses are available for individual practice in the language laboratory, located in 238 Old Science Hall. The language laboratory is equipped with the latest computer technology.