German Studies
German studies at Central offer a broad range of classes in language, literature and culture. Graduates of the program work across the country and around the world at the World Bank, at universities in Germany and Austria, as translators for U.S. intelligence and as middle school, high school and university language teachers.
The Central Difference
Live and Learn in Multilingual Facilities
The Language Houses in the Wing International Center offer a unique living alternative for language students, those returning from a semester abroad or anyone who wants a chance to use French, German or Spanish on a daily basis, celebrate native holidays, share experiences and sample diverse foods.
The Weller Center for Business and International Studies houses faculty offices and classrooms for the modern language departments. The $3.9-million building completed in 1999 includes an interactive computer language lab to supplement traditional methods of language learning through phone exchanges, chat groups, recording and listening activities.
Liberal Arts and Management
Study abroad experience led Amy Coughenour ’87 to an international career as CEO of a high-tech nonprofit.
Off-Campus Experiences
Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.
In addition, German studies majors can immerse themselves in German-speaking countries to learn the culture and history.
Beyond Central
Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education
- German teacher, Waukee High School, Waukee, Iowa
- President, Clark Translations, Pella
- Defined benefits coordinator, Principal Financial Group, Des Moines
Central College Faculty Receive Recognition
Central College recognized eight faculty members this spring for their outstanding leadership in teaching, service and scholarship.
Organizations
- German Club
- German table
- German language house
Graduate Placement
Recent German studies graduates have gone on to study in a variety of international fields, including:
- International business
- Global management
- International affairs
- Law school
Internships
Students may choose from internships in many disciplines and professional fields and have access to service-learning opportunities, such as:
- AMEX
- Department of Music of the Austrian National Library
- NGO Committee on Peace
- Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance (DOEW)
- The OpenScience Laboratory
- Showtime, Vienna’s English-language performing arts school
- SK Rapid (soccer club)
- Volkskundemuseum, folk art museum
Courses & Faculty
German studies students may study literature, language or cultural history. In addition to the language proficiency, the German studies program lays the foundation for active and responsible world citizenship.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Meet the Faculty
- Linda Laine, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Interim Associate Academic Dean
- Mary Stark, B.S., M.A., Ph.D., John and Anna Poole Endowed Chair in the Humanities; Language, Literature and Communication Department Chair; and Professor of English
- Amy Young, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of German
Learn More
Want to find out more about German Studies at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
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