Undergraduate Programs

Why Study German and/or Scandinavian Literature and Culture?

To learn German or Swedish is to gain access to future international work and travel involving Northern European countries (in business, politics, journalism, culture, and academic fields). In addition, our culture-content courses offered in both the target language and English expose you to significant aspects and works of science, art, technology, literature, media, and sociopolitical history that affect and have affected the entire world in important ways, for good and ill. Political and intellectual influences we study include communism, socialism, fascism, and liberal capitalism, and matters of war, sexuality, money, nationalism and multiculturalism. Our department offers studies of society, media, literature and culture in small classes, and thus provides students with an intimate cohort and a personable home within the larger institutional environment of the UO as a whole.  

three students reading a document on the table

Major in German and Scandinavian

We offer majors in German language, society and culture; and in Scandinavian society and culture (with Swedish as linguistic focus), as well as an interdisciplinary “German and Scandinavian Studies” major focus, which generally involves German or Scandinavian plus one other field of interest (see descriptions below). We also offer a five-year BA/MA Program, whereby students who arrive at the UO with advanced German skills can complete both the bachelor’s and the master’s degrees in five years.


Minor in German and Scandinavian

Complement any major with a minor in German, Scandinavian, or German and Scandinavian studies. A language minor teaches powerful skills for today’s globalized world.

Minor Requirements


Students sitting in library studying

Earn a Certificate

Want to get a head start on your career? Students in the Department of German and Scandinavian can earn a certificate in global business, teaching, or film studies.


Canal in Germany

Real-World Experience

Students in the Department of German and Scandinavian can expand their skills through study abroad programs and other hands-on learning opportunities.


Freelance person working at the airport while commuting to home. Beautiful sunset at the airport departure terminal.

What You Can Do with a German and Scandinavian Degree

A German and Scandinavian major can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and hear from alumni.


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with an advisor to explore potential career paths and get your questions answered.

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding through the Department of German and Scandinavian.

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Statement Against Racism

The faculty members and graduate students of the Department of German and Scandinavian would like to add our voices to those that have recently risen in protest against racism in general, and against anti-Black racism in particular.

Read Our Statement


Events

POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Feb23
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Feb 23 Miller Theatre Complex
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series - What’s spin got to do with it? Using organic semiconductors to manipulate spin for novel high-efficiency electronics   
Feb24
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series - What’s spin got to do with it? Using organic semiconductors to manipulate spin for novel high-efficiency electronics    Feb 24 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Chinook Justice: A Survivance Journey—Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium
Feb24
Chinook Justice: A Survivance Journey—Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium Feb 24 Many Nations Longhouse
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours
Feb24
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours Feb 24 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb25
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 25 McKenzie Hall
Disruption vs. Stability: Impacts on People and Policy Under a New Republican Majority
Feb25
Disruption vs. Stability: Impacts on People and Policy Under a New Republican Majority Feb 25 Ford Alumni Center
Catalysts for Impact Information Session
Feb26
Catalysts for Impact Information Session Feb 26 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Sustainable Cities and Landscapes in the Galapagos Info Session
Feb26
Sustainable Cities and Landscapes in the Galapagos Info Session Feb 26 Condon Hall
Public Lecture: Modern Japan through the Lens of Frank Lloyd Wright
Feb26
Public Lecture: Modern Japan through the Lens of Frank Lloyd Wright Feb 26 Straub Hall
Lecture and Book Launch: "Ghosts of a Holy War" by Yardena Schwartz
Feb26
Lecture and Book Launch: "Ghosts of a Holy War" by Yardena Schwartz Feb 26 Knight Library