German has been taught at Mount Allison University at least since 1870. The German curriculum was developed to share in and complement Mount Allison University's liberal arts educational concept. The students acquire not only a language spoken by 120 million people and study one of the great world literatures, but also come to see their own language from a new perspective. They are encouraged to combine the study of German with other areas of academic interest.

Program 

Students entering Elementary German 1001 are not expected to have any previous knowledge of German. After the beginner's courses (1001, 1011), students are able to survive in a German speaking environment for they have learned the basics in grammar and vocabulary. Intermediate German I and II (2001 and 2011) aim to consolidate this grammar and expand the vocabulary and all-round proficiency in German with an emphasis on class discussion of short literary works and written compositions in German. Advanced German 3001 builds on the grammar, syntax and active vocabulary with an introduction to stylistics, and frequent compositions and oral reports. All language courses have mandatory weekly language laboratories. 

A Minor in German consists of 24 credits:
15 credits in language: German 1001, 1011, 2001, 2011 and 3001,
3-6 credits from German 3/4000-level literature courses
3-6 credits from German 2601, 2701, 2811 and German 3/4000 level literature courses, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor.

Career Orientation of Graduates 

Knowledge of German is an asset in many professions. Jobs in areas such as teaching, translating, the foreign service, tourism, publishing and international trade require German. 

Special Activities 

Every effort is made to expose students to a "German" environment through German Club activities such as regular films, social gatherings, and trips to old German settlements. When student interest warrants, there is also a Deutsches Haus, a university residence where the language of communication is German. 

Each summer, some of our students spend up to three months in Germany, either studying on scholarships or on a Work-Student Programme: click here for summer work/study details.