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German and Russian Languages and Literatures

OVERVIEW

When east and west Germany were reunited in 1990, much more than political symbolism was involved. Reunification created Europe's most populous nation by far, an economic and geopolitical force capable of countering the dominant powers in Asia and the Americas. Germany's important contemporary position, its rich cultural legacy and its turbulent history at the center of European affairs makes it an important topic of study for a wide range of interests: language and literature, government and diplomacy, international trade, and science and technology. More ...

Academic Program

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Students majoring in German may choose to enhance their language skills and knowledge of German culture by participating in the College's ongoing exchange program with the University of Dortmund. On campus, advanced students in German and Russian languages and literatures may apply to be teaching assistants in introductory language courses or to work in Hamilton's peer tutoring program.


THE SENIOR PROGRAM

The Senior Program at Hamilton is a culminating intellectual experience in which students draw on and integrate the knowledge, research and language skills gained in the first three years. At the center of the Senior Program is the senior project, during which majors complete an extensive research thesis, written in German, that is based on study done in one of the program's senior seminars. The senior project is independent work that is closely supervised by a faculty member. Majors may also seek departmental honors through distinguished achievement in the classroom and on the senior project. More ...


RESOURCES

Students of German and Russian have full access to a modern language laboratory, an audiovisual center and a recording studio on campus. Students of German also have the opportunity to interact with teaching interns from the University of Dortmund, who can offer advice on language fluency as well as first-hand insights into the culture and contemporary scene in Germany.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • See you over there.

    German and Russian Languages and Literatures Highlights

    See you over there.

    Almost every major in German travels and studies abroad — typically in Germany or Austria — for at least one semester, and all are encouraged to stay for a full academic year.

    The focus is you.

    In the best liberal arts tradition, classes are small and interactive, with one-to-one engagement and deeply committed teachers. Hamilton's emphasis on close student-faculty relationships is especially important in language-based programs, where continual engagement and participation are critical to learning. The relatively small size of the program means that students also receive individual attention outside class when they need it.

    Leave prepared for the world.

    With its emphasis on language proficiency and an understanding of contemporary and historical German culture, the major and minor in German are excellent training for further studies in graduate school as well as professional careers. Recent graduates have gone on to success in such fields as technology, engineering, global relief, education, international trade and marketing, journalism and medical research.

  • The focus is you.

    German and Russian Languages and Literatures Highlights

    See you over there.

    Almost every major in German travels and studies abroad — typically in Germany or Austria — for at least one semester, and all are encouraged to stay for a full academic year.

    The focus is you.

    In the best liberal arts tradition, classes are small and interactive, with one-to-one engagement and deeply committed teachers. Hamilton's emphasis on close student-faculty relationships is especially important in language-based programs, where continual engagement and participation are critical to learning. The relatively small size of the program means that students also receive individual attention outside class when they need it.

    Leave prepared for the world.

    With its emphasis on language proficiency and an understanding of contemporary and historical German culture, the major and minor in German are excellent training for further studies in graduate school as well as professional careers. Recent graduates have gone on to success in such fields as technology, engineering, global relief, education, international trade and marketing, journalism and medical research.

  • Leave prepared for the world.

    German and Russian Languages and Literatures Highlights

    See you over there.

    Almost every major in German travels and studies abroad — typically in Germany or Austria — for at least one semester, and all are encouraged to stay for a full academic year.

    The focus is you.

    In the best liberal arts tradition, classes are small and interactive, with one-to-one engagement and deeply committed teachers. Hamilton's emphasis on close student-faculty relationships is especially important in language-based programs, where continual engagement and participation are critical to learning. The relatively small size of the program means that students also receive individual attention outside class when they need it.

    Leave prepared for the world.

    With its emphasis on language proficiency and an understanding of contemporary and historical German culture, the major and minor in German are excellent training for further studies in graduate school as well as professional careers. Recent graduates have gone on to success in such fields as technology, engineering, global relief, education, international trade and marketing, journalism and medical research.


After Hamilton

Hamilton graduates who majored in German and Russian Languages and Literatures are pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including:
  • Senior Project Manager, Ecolab Inc.
  • Vice President, Lucent Techologies
  • Professor of German, Carleton College
  • Marketing Consultant, Dell Computer Corporation
  • M.S. Candidate in Pediatric Nursing, Columbia University
  • Toxicologist, ENSR
  • Bureau Chief, Financial Times
  • Pastry Chef, The Black Marlin
  • President, World Emergency Relief Fund
  • Software Engineer, General Electric
  • Portfolio Manager, JP Morgan & Company
  • Language Teacher, Camphill Liebenfels