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

WGSS Presents: "Feminist Futures in Pasifika: Student and Community-Led Pathways to Decolonization, Intersectional Racial Justice, and Healing"
May12
WGSS Presents: "Feminist Futures in Pasifika: Student and Community-Led Pathways to Decolonization, Intersectional Racial Justice, and Healing" May 12 Knight Library
Dept. of History Pierson Lecture: "Speaking of Sexual Violence: Voices from Women’s Oral Histories in the Twentieth Century U.S."
May12
Dept. of History Pierson Lecture: "Speaking of Sexual Violence: Voices from Women’s Oral Histories in the Twentieth Century U.S." May 12 Gerlinger Hall
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair
May13
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair May 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
May13
Department of History Coffee Hour May 13 McKenzie Hall
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: V. Penelope Pelizzon
May14
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: V. Penelope Pelizzon May 14 Knight Library
Quackademics: A Ducks' Guide to Dark Matter
May15
Quackademics: A Ducks' Guide to Dark Matter May 15
Schnitzer School Ring Lecture: Transnational Trashscapes
May15
Schnitzer School Ring Lecture: Transnational Trashscapes May 15 Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA)
Tech for Good
May16
Tech for Good May 16 Knight Library
Dept. of History and School of Law Present: "Petitioning for Freedom: Habeas Corpus in the American West, 1812–1924"
May19
Dept. of History and School of Law Present: "Petitioning for Freedom: Habeas Corpus in the American West, 1812–1924" May 19 McKenzie Hall
CLLAS and Latinx Studies Celebration and Mixer
May19
CLLAS and Latinx Studies Celebration and Mixer May 19 McKenzie Hall