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 - As the effects of climate change become more apparent, Assistant Professor and Mokin Fellow of Holocaust Studies Miriam Chorley-Schulz is helping students parse how ecofascist ideology is resurging globally in response.
The perpetrators of World War II left mass destruction in their wake across much of Europe, physically and culturally. A new book, co-edited by Miriam Chorley-Schulz, assistant professor and Mokin Fellow of Holocaust Studies, examines cultural activities, the political engagement and the work of cultural activists who remained in Eastern Europe after the war, specifically related to Yiddish language and culture. 
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.

All news »


Language Learning and Journalism with Frauke Böger and Camila Mortensen
Apr14
Language Learning and Journalism with Frauke Böger and Camila Mortensen Apr 14
Physical Chemistry Seminar - From Stability to Dissociation: Elucidating Dissociation Kinetics of Protein-Protein Complexes via Atomistic Simulations
Apr14
Physical Chemistry Seminar - From Stability to Dissociation: Elucidating Dissociation Kinetics of Protein-Protein Complexes via Atomistic Simulations Apr 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Collaborative Communities: Northwest Indigenous Language Preservation and Revitalization
Apr14
Collaborative Communities: Northwest Indigenous Language Preservation and Revitalization Apr 14 Many Nations Longhouse
Ritualization and Myth Making
Apr14
Ritualization and Myth Making Apr 14 Knight Library
History Pub Lecture Series: ‘Back to Your Roots’: Nutritional Advice to the Cook Islands, 1850-1975
Apr14
History Pub Lecture Series: ‘Back to Your Roots’: Nutritional Advice to the Cook Islands, 1850-1975 Apr 14 Whirled Pies Downtown
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr15
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 15 McKenzie Hall
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodiverse Graduate Student Time Together
Apr15
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodiverse Graduate Student Time Together Apr 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
New Faculty Roundtable - Latinx Studies
Apr15
New Faculty Roundtable - Latinx Studies Apr 15 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Curious about Resumes? (Workshop)
Apr15
Curious about Resumes? (Workshop) Apr 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Your Future in Tech + Connect (Industry Panel + Networking Night)
Apr15
Your Future in Tech + Connect (Industry Panel + Networking Night) Apr 15 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)

All events »