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

UO Olympic Studies Week
May17
UO Olympic Studies Week May 17
UO Olympic Studies Week
May18
UO Olympic Studies Week May 18
Physical Chemistry Seminar - 3rd Year Talks
May19
Physical Chemistry Seminar - 3rd Year Talks May 19 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—A Shift from Indigenous Identities to Mainstream Western Culture Among Maya Indigenous Individuals in Guatemala
May19
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—A Shift from Indigenous Identities to Mainstream Western Culture Among Maya Indigenous Individuals in Guatemala May 19 Many Nations Longhouse
Department of History Coffee Hour
May20
Department of History Coffee Hour May 20 McKenzie Hall
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodiverse Graduate Student Time Together
May20
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodiverse Graduate Student Time Together May 20
Greg Marshall - "Leg" Memoir Reading and Q&A
May20
Greg Marshall - "Leg" Memoir Reading and Q&A May 20 Knight Library
Writing Lab Drop-In Workshop: Organization
May22
Writing Lab Drop-In Workshop: Organization May 22 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: A Talk with Author Dean Spade on “Love in a F*cked-Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together"
May23
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: A Talk with Author Dean Spade on “Love in a F*cked-Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together" May 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Spring Ring Lecture
May23
Spring Ring Lecture May 23 McKenzie Hall