Why study German
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 in 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. Amy Lynne Hill has earned her PhD in German Studies at Vanderbilt University. She is a very experienced and engaged 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
- understand the complexity of the interactions between language and culture and learn to express meanings in culturally appropriate ways. As a result of being able to communicate in another language, students will realize the global interdependence of people
- have knowledge of German (business) culture as well as the German economic and political system,
- have increased their proficiency for conversing in German about topics related to the culture and the business world such as current affairs in particular politics and economics in German speaking countries,
- be familiar with German cultural practices and how they compare to those in the United States,
- have built their vocabulary with a special focus on terms and phrases useful in the workplace, in talking about statistics , in discussing current affairs and in presenting the “pros and cons” of an issue,
- be able to communicate successfully in some common cultural or business situations (introductions and conducts at meetings, phone conversations, job interviews etc.),
- have honed their writing skills with a focus on business correspondence (resume, business letters, e-mails)