What Will I Learn in the German Studies Minor?

University of Portland (UP’s) German minor is your launchpad for global fluency. You won't just achieve intermediate-mid language proficiency across speaking, listening, reading, and writing, you'll master deep intercultural competence. You will dive into the rich tapestry of German-speaking cultures, analyzing everything from contemporary film to historical literature and journalism. This comprehensive approach cultivates a nuanced ability to navigate cultural complexities—including differences in gender, ethnicity, and class—preparing you to critically engage with and thrive in our interconnected world. 

German Studies Minor Courses

Classes in advanced German conversation, composition, and culture equip you with advanced speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through in-depth discussion and analysis of contemporary cultural and social issues in German-speaking countries.  Additionally, you will build deep intercultural competence through coursework that delves into the evolution of German identity from 1750 to the present, analyzes cultural representations of crime and criminality, and examines pivotal historical periods like the Weimar Republic and the complex roles of women in Nazi Germany. Ultimately, you will gain the skills to critically interpret German history, society, and culture and articulate nuanced arguments across various genres.

Degree Requirements

University Core

At University of Portland, the Core Curriculum enhances your German minor with liberal arts courses that sharpen your critical thinking and decision-making skills by developing the habits of Literacy and Dialogue, Aesthetics and Creativity, and Diversity and the Common Good.  

The Core

Careers and Outcomes

Fluency in German opens doors worldwide. From cultural competence to bilingual advantage, our program equips students for careers in law, business, education, medicine, and beyond—wherever curiosity and global awareness can take you. 

German Studies Jobs

With a minor in German, you could pursue careers like: 

• Business & International Trade – Germany is Europe’s largest economy and a top U.S. trading partner. 
• Law & Public Policy – Leverage a bilingual edge in global law, government, and NGOs. 
• Education & Academia –Teaching, research, and international exchange. 
• Medicine & Public Health – Use cross-cultural competence in global health fields. 
• STEM & Engineering – Germany leads in science, technology, and innovation. 
• Arts & Media – Translation, journalism, publishing, and creative industries. 
• Nonprofits & International Organizations – Work in human rights, sustainability, or global development. 
• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality – Careers in cultural exchange, event planning, or international travel. 

UP’s German minor prepares you with a bilingual edge and cultural competency that you can leverage into a multitude of roles in a wide range of industries. Depending on your career interests, you can pursue a graduate degree in business, law, health, the arts, tech, engineering, and education to name just a few pathways, and your proficiency in German will expand your opportunities and set you apart.