German Studies - Lewis & Clark
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German Studies students who study abroad get to enjoy a full-year program at the University of Munich. 

German Studies students who study abroad get to enjoy a full-year program at the University of Munich.

Academics
World Languages
German Studies
German Studies
Our program is a welcoming community of scholars, teachers, and students who are passionate about German language and culture and committed to the rich, lifelong benefits of cross-cultural exchange. We believe that in encountering different cultures, languages, and ways of seeing, you will learn to examine your own entrenched beliefs about yourself, your communities, and your place in the world.
Majors
Art (Studio)
Art History
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Computer Science
Computer Science and Mathematics
Data Science
Economics
Environmental Studies
French Studies
German Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
International Affairs
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Student-Designed Major
Theatre
World Languages
Minors
Art and Art History
Artificial Intelligence
Asian Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Classics
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Dance
Data Science
Earth System Science
Economics
Education
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
Environmental Studies
Ethnic Studies
French Studies
Gender Studies
German Studies
Health Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
Japanese
Latin American and Latino Studies
Law and Policy
Mathematics
Middle East and North African Studies
Music
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
Political Economy
Political Science
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Russian
Theatre
Why Choose a Degree in German?
Studying literature and other cultural materials in a language other than your own teaches you to be flexible and open to different viewpoints, provides you with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of historical and contemporary events, and allows you to gain clarity with respect to your own views and experiences. Our faculty devote individual attention to students both in and outside the classroom.
Small department.
You will have direct access to your
professors
, and benefit from their mentorship and guidance.
No Textbook Costs.
The German language Program at Lewis and Clark is designed with OER material (open educational resources). This means that students can take 4 years of German at LC without ever having to purchase an expensive textbook.
Study abroad.
Students get to participate in the
Year of Study in Munich Program
Opportunities to study/work in Germany after graduation.
Germany awards a generous number of scholarships and other support to study or work abroad. Your professors can help you identify the scholarships best suited for your goals and guide you through the application process.
Science and research.
German is the second-most commonly used scientific language. Germany is the third-largest contributor to research and development and offers research fellowships to scientists from abroad.
Communication.
Developments in media, information, and communication technology require multilingual communicators. A wide range of important websites are in German, and worldwide, Germany is ranked number five in terms of annual publications of new books. Knowledge of German offers you extended access to information.
Business.
Germany has the fourth-largest economy in the world. Knowing the language of your German business partners improves your relations and your chances for effective communication and success.
Enjoyment of literature, music, art, philosophy, and science.
German is the language of Bach, Beethoven, Einstein, Freud, Goethe, Jung, Kafka, Mozart, and Nietzsche. Indulge in reading and/or listening to their works in their original language.
Travel.
Make the most of your travels not only in German-speaking countries, but in many other European countries where German is widely spoken, especially in Eastern Europe.
Tourism and hospitality industry.
Tourists from German-speaking countries travel wide and far, and are the world’s biggest spenders when on holiday. They appreciate being looked after by German-speaking staff and tour guides.
For sources and more information, see the Goethe Institute’s webpage
Ten Reasons to Learn German.
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What You’ll Study
We offer a major and minor in German through the Department of World Languages and Literatures. Our classes are small, focused, and taught by expert faculty. Topics range from German composition and conversation, to major periods in German literature, to examinations of German society during various historical periods.
Many of our students earn course credit on overseas programs. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students (including one in Berlin with an optional chemistry focus), the yearlong language-intensive overseas program in Munich is renowned for its high-quality academic offerings, direct access to German university programs, and outstanding internship and research opportunities. This program is required for all German majors.
Outside the classroom, the
Keck Interactive Learning Center
is a language center and community area that is packed with linguistic and cultural resources. The
Global Languages and Cultures
Living-Learning Community is a unique on-campus housing option with an immersive language-based focus. Our students are supported each year with a visiting international Language Assistant who teaches our conversation courses and offers tutoring support for each of our language sections.
Curriculum
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Favorite Class



American Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties with Todd Lochner




It was undoubtedly one of the most challenging classes that I took, but I am much better for it. This was one of the first classes that made me reexamine my thought process on law and our society. Professor Lochner’s method of cold calling on students and creating scenarios to test our understanding of the law lead to interesting and free discussions. More importantly, these discussions challenged all of us to see existing prejudices and/or biases.




Alex Scioscia BA ’21


Major: Political science and German (double)







Favorite Class



Intro to Electronic Music with Instructor of Music Jeff Leonard



This class and Jeff showed me that I actually can do things that I previously thought impossible for me, such as producing music. Jeff was very supportive the entire semester and truly dedicated to his students’ well-being and performance. This class expanded my knowledge by giving me confidence in my ability to learn whatever is of interest to me regardless of the area.




Vanja Pešić BA ’22


Major: German Studies, Psychology (double)







Favorite Class



Immigration & Asylum Law with Professor Elliott Young



We were given the opportunity to understand the asylum process in the United States through work with current asylum cases, assisting Professor Young in his role as an expert witness. Not only did I gain better insight into immigration and asylum law in the United States, but I was also able to help actual individuals in a meaningful way.




Gemma M. Goette BA ’25


Major: German Studies, History

Minor: Art/Art History







Favorite Class



Cold War Culture with Associate Professor Therese Augst



The class has allowed me to tap into both my knowledge of international affairs and German studies to evaluate what happened during this crucial period of history. I also reflect upon my experiences abroad and connect them to themes discussed each week. I look forward to every class as I know that I will leave enriched from the engaging lectures and discussions.




Tiffani Wong BA ’22


Major: International Affairs, German Studies (double)







Favorite Class



Key Monuments with Associate Professor Benjamin David



Ben brought new and remarkable perspectives to Western art history that I had yet to experience. His kindness and caring for students is clear, and he emulates a well-rounded approach to knowledge in his lectures and assignments. 10/10, would recommend!




Lucia Sheridan BA ’23


Major: Psychology and German Studies (double)

Minor: Art and Art History







Favorite Class



Art of War With Professor Bob Mandel



I have always been interested in war. Tackling difficult topics in spirited discussions every week helped me learn to articulate clearly and concisely and be able to think on my feet. It has helped me approach topics differently.




Alie Cicero BA ’24


Major: International Affairs, German (double)







Favorite Class



Transitions to Democracy by Associate Professor Leah Gilbert



Professor Gilbert is passionate and engaging, and her class informed me a great deal about definitions of democracy, transition theories, and other important concepts in political science. It was also seminal in the inspiration for my senior international affairs thesis, where I researched democratic backsliding in Hungary.




Niall Gifford BA ’22


Major: German Studies and International Affairs (double)







Favorite Class



Either of the Intro to Constitutional Law classes I took with Professor Todd Lochner



He’s very challenging and a bit unorthodox in his teaching—though I readily confess I was a mediocre student in his class. All that being said, Lochner has a way to poke and prod his students, challenging them to defend their views while also building up a more informed understanding and respect for the word of law and the U.S. Constitution.




Ocean Eale BA ’19


Major: German Studies

Minor: Political Science







Favorite Class



Philosophy Ethics with Associate Professor Joel Martinez



]I was expecting to answer the popular dilemma: intentionally kill one person or do nothing and kill five. Funny enough, this scenario did come up but the class was so much more than that. We discussed a range of topics from Aristotle’s views on happiness to the morality of abortion. After this class I felt more open-minded and more confused, but the latter was definitely the intention.




Annika Clunk BA ’20


Major: Economics, German Studies (double)




Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular minors for our German studies majors are
economics
history
, and
political science
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
My favorite class has been Key Monuments with Professor Benjamin David. He brought new and remarkable perspectives to Western art history. 10/10, would recommend!
Lucia Sheridan BA ’23
Psychology and German Studies (double) | Art and Art History | Saugatuck, Michigan
More about Lucia
My two mentors are Professors Bob Mandel and Therese Augst. They work with me to find interesting opportunities to further my education, challenge me, boost my confidence and comfort in classes, and help me feel part of the L&C community.
Alie Cicero BA ’24
International Affairs, German (double) | Arcadia, California
More about Alie
The discussion-based approach taken in many of the history courses at Lewis & Clark is one of the most incredible elements of the major while for my German studies major, I have not only learned the technical aspects of the language, but through the study abroad requirement and German language assistants, I have engaged deeply with the culture and history of Germany.
Gemma M. Goette BA ’25
German Studies, History | Art/Art History | Brooklyn, New York
More about Gemma
What Can You Do With a Degree in German?
Our alumni use their BA in German in a variety of endeavors. In addition to receiving Fulbright and other grants to teach English or do research in German-speaking countries, our students pursue careers in teaching, academia, library science, cultural exchange, law, and other fields.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often
more affordable than you think
. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll
cover the extra semester of tuition
Find Your People
The student-led
German Club
organizes numerous events on and off campus, including Oktoberfest, Sankt Martinstag, Fasching (Carnival), cooking and baking lessons, and excursions to local restaurants and film festivals. One of the oldest journals at L&C,
Polyglot
gives the opportunity to students of all levels to publish their work in German.
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
L&C taught me how to work collaboratively in a high-stakes environment with deadlines without extensions.
Vanja Pešić BA ’22
German Studies, Psychology (double) | Leskovac, Serbia
More about Vanja
The resourcefulness that L&C directly and indirectly taught me has been the most important thing I learned and that I apply to my career.
Alex Scioscia BA ’21
Political science and German (double) | Alexandria, Virginia
More about Alex
L&C taught me to never shy away from voicing my perspective—because your perspective matters even if 99 percent of the people in the room would disagree with you
Annika Clunk BA ’20
Economics, German Studies (double)
More about Annika
Featured News
Checkout the Course WLL-140: “Fairy Tales Across Cultures” offered SUMMER 2026!!
Read the story
More News and Events →
Katharina Altpeter-Jones
Associate Professor of German Language and Literature, German Section Head
altpeter@lclark.edu
503-768-7430
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