UB Undergraduate Catalog 2006-2007

Department of Linguistics

College of Arts and Sciences
609 Baldy Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1030

Phone: 716.645.2177
Fax: 716.645.3825
Web: linguistics.buffalo.edu

Karin Michelson
Chair

David Fertig
Program Director
fertig@buffalo.edu

Robert Hoeing
Director of Undergraduate Studies
rghoeing@buffalo.edu

About the Program

Note: See Professor Fertig for matters regarding first and second year language instruction; see Professor Hoeing for matters concerning the German major and minor.

The German language is spoken by 120 million people mainly living in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. German is a major international language of commerce, diplomacy, and scholarly investigation in many fields.

Germany today is the economic cornerstone of the European Union and as such is not only an important trading partner of the United States, it is also one of our most important political allies in Europe. After German reunification, the peoples of Eastern Europe chose German as their second language. They clearly recognize Germany as an important economic and political power of the present and future. Any future development and job opportunities in this important arena will involve German culture and language.

Advisement

The German program offers a focused yet varied curriculum designed to provide students with the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge necessary for a B.A. degree. The program offers many options of study beyond elementary and intermediate language instruction, including courses in literature, linguistics, culture, and business German. Many students combine a major in German studies with another major, thus improving their chances for career opportunities in an increasingly international marketplace.

Opportunities for Undergradate Research and Practical Experience

For study abroad options, see the Study Abroad section or contact the Study Abroad Programs office at (716) 645-3912.

Students seeking teacher certification should plan their programs with particular care in order to accommodate the required semester of the professional sequence during their senior year. For information about certification, contact the Teacher Education Institute, Graduate School of Education, 375 Baldy Hall.

Career Opportunities/Further Study

German majors find increasing employment opportunities in business (e.g., companies with German-American connections); interpretation (e.g., the U.N., travel agencies, tourism bureaus, and broadcasting); government (e.g., FBI or other international government agencies); and translation (e.g., of scientific works, literature, and government documents).