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German

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Why the German Certificate

The State of Tennessee clearly says it.  In one of its World Language Standards, the State of Tennessee clearly states that “The study of another language enables students to understand a different culture on its own terms. The exquisite connections between the culture that is lived and the language that is spoken can only be realized by those who possess a knowledge of both. American students need to develop an awareness of other people’s world views, of their unique way of life, and of the patterns of behavior which order their world, as well learn about contributions of other cultures to the world at large and the solutions they offer to the common problems of mankind.”  

Many of our students have a connection to Germany, be it that they themselves or a relative was born there, parents were stationed in Germany by the US Armed Forces, or they are heritage speakers with a German parent or grandparent. Our students know that learning another language is a powerful tool, and our experienced faculty will teach them the critical approach to language and how it has always shaped the world.    

The German faculty are dynamic and experienced, providing students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in the language and cultures of the German-speaking world.  They are committed to providing quality courses to our majors but also to students of all majors taking their core classes with us.  Our faculty have expertise in German literary study, linguistics, creative and business writing as well as composition. They will challenge and inspire you in our classroom, during study abroad, and many events on and off campus.

Dr. Beatrix Brockman is a German native who has lived the USA for over 20 years.  She earned a BA and MA in English at Austin Peay State University and obtained a PhD in German Studies from Vanderbilt University (2012).  She has taught German and English at APSU for more than a decade.  Patrick Rickleton is a very experienced instructor of German with a penchant for student engagement and a love for teaching language. The faculty of the Department of Languages and Literature is far traveled and will teach you how to navigate the global world on campus and on studies abroad in Europe. 

What Will I Learn

 

Sample Course Requirements

German Certificate