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

19th Annual Rennard Strickland Lecture with Amy Bowers Cordalis
Sep30
19th Annual Rennard Strickland Lecture with Amy Bowers Cordalis Sep 30 William W. Knight Law Center
Uncovering Oregon History with the Chinese Diaspora Project
Oct2
Uncovering Oregon History with the Chinese Diaspora Project Oct 2 Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Department of History: Fall Get-Together
Oct3
Department of History: Fall Get-Together Oct 3 McKenzie Hall
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources
Oct8
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources Oct 8
Autumn Songs: A Korean Jazz Performance with Jordan VanHemert and Band
Oct9
Autumn Songs: A Korean Jazz Performance with Jordan VanHemert and Band Oct 9 Kalapuya Ilihi
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop)
Oct13
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop) Oct 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
WGSS Presents: “Writing Queer Women’s History: Finding A Place of Our Own” Talk and Light Reception with June Thomas
Oct14
WGSS Presents: “Writing Queer Women’s History: Finding A Place of Our Own” Talk and Light Reception with June Thomas Oct 14 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
ELO Scholarship Student and Alumni Panel
Oct14
ELO Scholarship Student and Alumni Panel Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Next Level Resumes and CVs
Oct15
Next Level Resumes and CVs Oct 15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Oct15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Oct 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall