German and Scandinavian

In our department, you can take classes in the areas of German Studies, Scandinavian Studies, or both.  In German classes, you’ll learn about the Northern and Central European cultures of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.  In Scandinavian courses, you’ll learn about Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. We study these places both today and in the near and distant past.  We teach the German and Swedish languages, and support Yiddish as well.  We explore all of these interrelated cultures holistically from social, political, environmental, literary, cinematic, mediatic, and artistic perspectives.  In doing so, we consider formal and philosophical themes, as well as the histories of the ideologies of race, gender, class, and religion, always from an interpretively open-ended and dialogical point of view.  Our faculty members, who specialize in modern culture, give our students personal attention, helping them to advance their intellectual and pre-career development.

What You Can Do with a Degree in German and Scandinavian

What kind of career can you get with language skills? Studying German and Scandinavian can take you just about anywhere! Our alumni are traveling the world, making an impact in their communities, and building careers with a broad range of organizations such as:

  • International companies 
  • Media and high-tech companies 
  • Nongovernmental organizations and agencies
  • Public interest groups 
  • Museums and archives 
  • Social welfare organizations 
  • Colleges and universities 
GerScan Alumni, Azchary Tigert

How German and Scandinavian Studies Broadens Your Career

“Learning another language was a paradigm shift that changed my way of viewing the world and my daily experience. It also opened me to opportunities to work with people from around the world, learning of other cultures and perspectives, in pretty much every job role or educational position since. Also, the graduate courses taught me critical theory and were my initial exposure to philosophy, which have dramatically impacted my life more than anything else I've learned.”

Zachary Tigert, program manager, Microsoft

Our Degree Programs

We offer multiple majors and minors in German and Scandinavian studies. Our MA and PhD programs are rigorous, yet supportive. Our students dive into critical analysis of post-Enlightenment modernity and often pursue interdisciplinary research.

Teacher standing next to blackboard teaching class.

Learn from Experts in the Field

Our faculty comprises both German and Scandinavian specialists whose research interests range from folklore and fantasy to gender and film, and from psychoanalysis and Jewish studies to philosophy and critical thought. They are passionate scholars who inform and inspire and are dedicated mentors who help students build real-world skills and strong professional networks.

Classical architecture building in Germany

Get Real-World Experience

Studying language abroad accelerates the development of speaking and comprehension skills while giving students a real-world experience within the culture they’re studying. Our students have access to dozens of study abroad programs in Germany and Scandinavia, from our decades-long partnership with Heidelberg, Tübingen, and other universities in Baden-Württemberg to numerous specialized programs in Berlin, Copenhagen, Uppsala, and beyond.

Scholarships and Funding

The Department of German and Scandinavian awards multiple scholarships to current undergraduate students who are declared majors or minors within the department. Graduate students are typically compensated for teaching language classes to undergraduates and are eligible for additional fellowships and scholarships.

Undergraduate Scholarships Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Our academic advisors can help students understand their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising
Support for Graduate Students

German and Scandinavian News and Events

GERMAN AND SCANDINAVIAN - The term "heimat," which loosely translates to home or homeland, is tied to ideals of unity and identity in one’s homeland. It’s also tied to controversial ideas such as colonialism and genocide. The 13th special issue of “Konturen" is devoted to a critical reassessment of this word and its meanings.
THEATRE ARTS, GERMAN & SCANDINAVIAN - For the second time in University of Oregon history, a Duck has won the Gates-Cambridge Scholarship. Alex Mentzel, a 2020 graduate who majored in German literature and theatre arts, will be one of only 60 students nationally in the 2022 class of Gates-Cambridge Scholars.

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Oregon Cyber Resilience Summit 2024
Oct8
Oregon Cyber Resilience Summit 2024 Oct 8 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Department of History Coffee Hour
Oct8
Department of History Coffee Hour Oct 8 McKenzie Hall
How to Use Career Resources on Campus for International Students
Oct8
How to Use Career Resources on Campus for International Students Oct 8
13th Annual SPICE Science Open House 2024
Oct9
13th Annual SPICE Science Open House 2024 Oct 9 Willamette Hall
Dept. of History Graduate Student Welcome Back Barbecue
Oct10
Dept. of History Graduate Student Welcome Back Barbecue Oct 10 Wayne Morris Family Farm Picnic Shelter
Visioning Pacific / Asian / American Studies: Panel Discussion
Oct10
Visioning Pacific / Asian / American Studies: Panel Discussion Oct 10 Gerlinger Hall
Media Industry Professions: Insights from the Business Side
Oct11
Media Industry Professions: Insights from the Business Side Oct 11 Lillis Business Complex
Beyond the Dissertation: Preparing for the Academic Job Market
Oct11
Beyond the Dissertation: Preparing for the Academic Job Market Oct 11 Hendricks Hall
How to Be Ready for the BIG10 Academia Career Fair
Oct14
How to Be Ready for the BIG10 Academia Career Fair Oct 14
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips Workshop
Oct14
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips Workshop Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall

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