The goal of the German program at USU is to prepare students for a high level of proficiency in professional and academic contexts. Majors take language courses in which they develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills; culture and literature courses where they learn about the traditions and perspectives of German-speaking communities; and business and translation courses, which offer practice-oriented preparation for the job market. They also have the option to participate in study abroad programs in Germany where they gain proficiency in German and experience exciting travel opportunities.
The faculty members in the German program have culturally diverse expertise in language, literature, and culture which helps majors gain a solid grounding in German language and culture and prepares them to function effectively in a variety of careers and as members of the international community.
Emphases:
- German Teaching: This emphasis is for students who wish to obtain licensure to teach in secondary schools. It includes courses in language history, the interaction of language and society, and teaching methodologies.
Education Component:
This is for the German teaching emphasis only. In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USUs School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.
Students in the German teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.