In studying foreign languages, students acquire not only a linguistic skill but also an understanding of other peoples' literatures, histories, and cultures. They gain a new perspective from which to view their own country, way of life, and language. Knowledge of a second language is an important facet of the liberal arts program. Proficiency in a second language at the 201 level is a graduation requirement.

German courses at all levels emphasize speaking, reading, writing, and listening while addressing topics related to German culture. The disciplinary basis for the program, German Studies, draws on literature, history, gender studies, popular culture, music, architecture, and film (among other things) to aid students in the development of a critical understanding of the German-speaking world and their own. Through film courses and a course on contemporary German culture, the German program recognizes the importance of new media in the 20th and 21st centuries and how these media have reshaped the nature of German culture. Other advanced courses take a wider historical view, examining the changing nature of German culture through the lens of a particular genre (such as drama) or theme (such as questions of German-Jewish identity).

Placement

All incoming students who have previously studied German in high school or elsewhere must take the College's placement test in German. Placement can also be determined by a student's score on the College Board's SAT II test or the advanced placement test in German. Students with three or more years of high school German may not earn graduation credit in GERM 101.

SAT II

Students with scores of 425 or lower (and with fewer than three years of high school German) will be placed in GERM 101 or 102; 426–500 = GERM 102; 501–550 = GERM 102 or 201; 551–624 = GERM 201; 625 or higher = GERM 203, 204, or 301. If a SAT II score indicates a choice of two levels, a student should consult with the department chair or department representative for placement. A score of 700 or higher may qualify a student for more advanced courses.

Advanced Placement

For students with an advanced placement (AP) score of 4 or 5, credit toward the B.A. degree will be awarded automatically upon admission. Study must begin with GERM 203 or above to receive credit in German at Kalamazoo College. Students with AP scores of 3 may be granted the waiver of a prerequisite, but may not count an AP 3 for credit.