German studies - Faculty of Arts

Offered by the School of Languages Cultures and Linguistics

Campus availability: Clayton

Relevant courses

2368 Diploma in Languages (German)
0002 Bachelor of Arts (and associated double degrees)
3910 Bachelor of Arts (Global)
1366 Bachelor of Arts (Languages)
0202 Bachelor of Letters

The German studies programs are designed for students wishing to specialise in German studies (language, linguistics, literature and their relation to culture and society), and also for those seeking a broader outlook within the humanities and social sciences. At every level, students are required to engage in studies of German language and culture, practical language study and fundamental training in German culture and history as well as German linguistics. Optional units, offered at second and third-year levels, offer opportunities for diversification and specialisation in the fields of German literature and culture, media studies and German linguistics. These options are offered from level two onwards.

The core units are organised in streams, catering for different levels of language proficiency (entry points 1 through 10). German can be studied from beginner's stage to a stage of near-native language proficiency. Depending on the units taken at first-year level, the sequences may lead either to an introductory minor or major or to an advanced minor or major. Students may also undertake further studies at honours level in German linguistics and classical literature and cultural studies. Students should contact the program director for further advice.

Non-Arts students

In some non-Arts courses students are able to take Arts electives and count them towards their course. Students who decide that they want to study a language as part of their non-Arts course should:

discuss with their home faculty whether they are allowed to include language units as part of their course
check with their home faculty how many units/credit points they can study and at what year-level
select the appropriate language units to enrol in.

NOTE: Because some students will be unable to study language as first-year level units, the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics has created second-year level codes to enable non-Arts students to complete the equivalent of a first-year sequence in their chosen language. Students wishing to enrol in these units, must discuss any future enrolment with the relevant language program before going any further.

Students who exit at level 10 or above will be awarded an 'Advanced German major', students who exit below level 10 will be awarded a 'Basic German major'.

Right of school to determine entry level and approve accelerated enrolment

The German Studies program convenor retains the right to determine the proper proficiency level for any particular student. Students are not permitted to accelerate their enrolment without first consulting the program convenor.

Language Study Abroad Program

The German Studies program has ten active exchange agreements with German universities and cultural institutions. Students are encouraged to consider study abroad as part of a major sequence and/or an honours degree in German, Linguistics or Comparative literature and cultural studies. Funding is available through Monash Abroad and the German Government (DAAD). For detailed information see the German Studies - Study Abroad web page. Students must obtain written approval from the German studies program before enrolling. For further details, contact Heinz Kreutz or Axel Fliethmann.

NOTE: Depending on the teaching institution, German study abroad units may be HECS-HELP liable or only available on a fee-paying basis.

Sequences

First-year sequence

A sequence is normally a first semester first-year level unit which is followed by a second semester first-year level unit in the same discipline.

Minor sequence

Students complete a standard minor chosen from one of the following options:

24 points of core language units
18 points of core language units plus one second-year level elective chosen from units below.

Major sequence

Students complete a standard major consisting of six core language units as listed below and also including two electives chosen from units below.

Basic major sequences

Basic German major, entry point 1

For students with no knowledge of German or who have previously studied German at a junior secondary level only.

GRN1010 German studies 1
GRN1020 German studies 2
GRN2030 German studies 3
GRN2040 German studies 4
GRN3050 German studies 5
GRN3060 German studies 6
one second or third year level elective from the list of electives below
one third year level elective from the list of electives below

Basic German major, entry point 2

For students with some prior knowledge, but generally not to VCE level. In some circumstances, and with permission of the head of section, students with a pass standard in German at Year 12 may also enter at this level.

GRN1030 German studies 3
GRN1040 German studies 4
GRN2050 German studies 5
GRN2060 German studies 6
GRN3070 German studies 7
GRN3080 German studies 8
one second or third year level elective from the list of electives below
one third year level elective from the list of electives below

Advanced major sequences

Advanced German major, entry point 3

This stream assumes that students have reached a pass standard in German at Year 12 level or its equivalent.

GRN1050 German studies 5
GRN1060 German studies 6
GRN2070 German studies 7
GRN2080 German studies 8
GRN3090 German studies 9
GRN3100 German studies 10
one second or third year level elective from the list of electives below
one third year level elective from the list of electives below

Advanced German major, entry point 4

Students undertaking this stream must have reached at least high distinction standard in German at Year 12 or its equivalent. Students wishing to undertake these units must obtain the permission of the head of section prior to enrolment.

GRN1070 German studies 7
GRN1080 German studies 8
GRN2090 German studies 9
GRN2100 German studies 10
one second or third year level elective from the list of electives below
three third year level electives from the list of electives below

Advanced German major, entry point 5

GRN1090 German studies 9
GRN1100 German studies 10
two second year level electives from the list of electives below
one second or third year level elective from the list of electives below
three third year level electives from the list of electives below

Language Study Abroad units

GRN3995 Language study abroad program

Elective units

GRN2135/GRN3135 Second language acquisition and attrition
GRN2810/GRN3810 Research and research methodology in German language and linguistics*
GRN2820/GRN3820 Research and research methodology in German literature and culture*
GRN3125 German dialects and dialectology
GRN3165 Language and society: sociolinguistics from a German language perspective
GRN3245 On the brink of modernity (1890-1920)
GRN3250 German travel writing From the 18th to the 20th century
GRN3235 The contemporary novel
GRN3295 Introduction to the study of media culture
LLC3950 Literary theory and critical practice

* Not offered from 2007.

Contact details

Enquiries (Clayton): Room S423, fourth floor, South Wing, Menzies building

Telephone +61 3 9905 2281 or +61 3 9905 2223

Email lcl.enquiries@arts.monash.edu.au

Visit http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/lcl