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

Designing Your Future for PhDs: A Primer
Mar27
Designing Your Future for PhDs: A Primer Mar 27
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr1
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 1 McKenzie Hall
What is Research? (2025)
Apr3
What is Research? (2025) Apr 3 University of Oregon Portland
What is Research? (2025)
Apr4
What is Research? (2025) Apr 4 University of Oregon Portland
What is Research? (2025)
Apr5
What is Research? (2025) Apr 5 University of Oregon Portland
Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science Poster
Apr7
Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science Poster Apr 7
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr8
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 8 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Pierson Lecture: "Trans Berlin: The World's First Trans Politics, Berlin's Queer Golden Age, and the Rise of Fascism, 1918-1933"
Apr8
Dept. of History Pierson Lecture: "Trans Berlin: The World's First Trans Politics, Berlin's Queer Golden Age, and the Rise of Fascism, 1918-1933" Apr 8 Gerlinger Hall
Creative Writing Program Presents: Screening of RULE BREAKERS and Q&A
Apr8
Creative Writing Program Presents: Screening of RULE BREAKERS and Q&A Apr 8 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Apr9
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Apr 9 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall