A wide variety of opportunities to explore language, literature and culture
Academics
The Department of German Studies offers students a wide variety of opportunities to explore the language, literature and culture of German-speaking countries. Courses are offered in German as well as in English, with subjects ranging from medieval to contemporary literature and include studies of film, visual culture, intellectual history, music, psychology and women's studies. The department also offers opportunities to explore Dutch and Swedish language
Popular Destinations
Pathways of Scholarship
Undergraduate Studies
As a German studies major, you’ll gain proficiency in reading, speaking and writing German, become acquainted with the culture of German-speaking countries and develop skills in reading, analyzing and discussing German texts in relevant disciplines.
Click here to learn more about out undergraduate program, or browse some of our sample courses below:
Graduate Studies
One of the leading graduate programs nationally and internationally, German Studies at Cornell offers a flexible yet rigorous course of study that draws on the expertise of faculty members from both the Department of German Studies and a variety of units in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Click here to learn more about our graduate program, or browse profiles of our current graduate students.
German Studies News
Meet German Studies Alums!
Connect with alums (who will visit via Zoom) and talk about their career choices and what role their studies in German Studies have played in the process!
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Community read launches Society for the Humanities’ ‘Repair’ theme
"The Society for the Humanities thought there is no better way to kick off the year of Repair, than to begin at home."
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'I’m amazed at how much I developed as a writer'
Lauren Bohm is a History and German Studies major.
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'I participated in a summer research program with anthropologists from Brazil'
Ariana Croese is majoring in Italian & German Studies.
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Hannah Miller (Ph.D. '17) explores the "States of Fandom" in New Book
Congratulations to Dr. Hannah Miller (Ph.D. in German Studies, 2017) on the recent publication of her first book, The Politics of Fandom. Conflicts That Divide Communities (McFarland, 2022).
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More than $12M donated to support students in 24 hours
On Cornell’s eighth Giving Day, held March 16, 15,905 alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends from more than 80 countries made gifts totaling a record-breaking $12,268,629.
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Support Arts & Sciences on Giving Day March 16
Gifts allow the College to fulfill its mission: preparing students to do the greatest good in the world.
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