The undergraduate minor in German requires a minimum of 15 s.h. in college-level German courses, including at least 12 s.h. in courses taken at the University of Iowa. All Department of German courses (prefix GRMN) numbered 3000 or above with the language of instruction in German count toward the minor. At least 9 s.h. of coursework towards the minor must consist of German courses numbered 3000–4999. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass.
The minor may include a maximum of 6 s.h. in Department of German courses numbered 2001–2020 (e.g., GRMN:2001 Intermediate German I). Credit for the German Language and Culture Advanced Placement (AP) exam with a score of 4 or higher may be counted as a 3 s.h. equivalent of GRMN:2002 Intermediate German II. When AP exam credit is applied for 3 s.h. towards the minor, students must complete all remaining 12 s.h. of coursework toward the minor with German courses numbered 2500 or above.
Students may count one Department of German course taught in English numbered 2500–2999 toward the minor by registering for 4 s.h. of credit for the course instead of 3 s.h.; the additional 1 s.h. of credit reflects an added research component. Courses taught in English taken for 3 s.h. do not count toward the minor.
With the approval of the director of undergraduate studies, students may count up to 6 s.h. earned in study abroad toward the minor. Students also may apply one course from the University of Iowa Honors Program to the requirements for the minor when that course concerns German culture or language; consult the director of undergraduate studies for approval.
Study Abroad
The University of Iowa offers a number of opportunities for study in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Students frequently choose to participate in the summer USAC Lüneburg program, the Dortmund University Exchange, or the Academic Year in Freiburg program at the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg. Students should consult Study Abroad and the German undergraduate advisor to select a program that fits their interests.
Students pursuing a minor in German often enroll in one of the summer sessions offered by the USAC Lüneburg program, but minors are eligible for all study abroad programs offered by the University. Up to 6 s.h. of study abroad credit can be applied to the requirements for the minor.
For more information about study abroad opportunities, contact the Department of German or International Programs Study Abroad.
Teacher Licensure
Students who plan to use their work toward a minor in German as academic background for earning teacher licensure should contact the Office of Student Services in the College of Education about requirements.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
German, Minor
This sample plan is currently being updated and will be added at a later date.