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.
German is spoken by approximately 120 million people (most of them in Germany, Austria and Switzerland). It is one of the major official languages of the European Union and is widely recognized as an important language of business, particularly in Eastern Europe.
At Hamilton, German studies is an interdisciplinary concentration focused on the language, literature, culture, historical development and politics of German-speaking countries. Beyond the mandatory core courses in the language (third-year-level language proficiency and one literature course), students may choose courses from a wide selection of subject-related offerings in other departments (e.g. history, government, music, philosophy).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
