Considering German as a major, which colleges should I look at?

Hi, I'm a junior in high school and I'm thinking about majoring in German. Which colleges are known for their German programs?

There are several universities across the United States known for their excellent German programs. These colleges normally offer a wide range of courses in German language, literature, history, and culture, allowing students to really delve deep into the German studies.

1. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley has a renowned German department known for its strong faculty, diverse course offerings, and multiple opportunities for study abroad or exchange programs with distinguished German institutions.

2. University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison): Another university with a notable German program. It offers a robust curriculum and a significant focus on both modern and traditional German literature and culture.

3. Stanford University: Stanford's German Studies department focuses on a multi-disciplinary approach. Apart from the language, the program encompasses German literature, culture, thought, history, and more, all rounded up by a global perspective.

4. University of Michigan (UMich): The Germanic Languages and Literatures program at UMich is known for its interdisciplinary focus. They also host the Max Kade House, a living-learning residential community where students can immerse themselves in German language and culture.

5. Yale University: Yale's Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures offers an extensive curriculum in German studies. It has a strong faculty with research interest spanning different periods and genres.

6. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): UPenn's Germanic Languages and Literatures department is well regarded, especially their cultural and literary analysis courses which bring a modern, cross-disciplinary perspective to German Studies.

It's also worthwhile to check out institutions in German-speaking countries such as Austria, Germany, or Switzerland for study abroad options or even for completing your undergraduate program. Such programs would vastly increase your language fluency and cultural competence.

As you explore each college, look at the specific classes they offer, the faculty in the German department, and opportunities for study abroad in German-speaking countries. You should also check the requirements for the German major at each school, as they can widely vary.