Celebrating Difference

Live Events

Program Guide

Course Catalogue

Beyond the Classroom

Careers

Special Events

We appreciate that every student arrives in our program with a unique background and individual needs, expectations, and goals. We look forward to getting to know you. Some students have been learning German for many years; others have had only a few courses. Some have travelled or even lived in Germany whereas many have never left the U.S. before. Some have strong grammar skills but are uncomfortable speaking. Some can hold a conversation in German but feel unsure about grammar. The study of literature and culture is intriguing to some but unfamiliar to others. Some know a lot about German popular culture, politics, music, or history; others know "classroom German" only. Some students feel like real beginners.

Students' goals also vary widely. Some wish to travel or take part in daily life in a German-speaking country. Some anticipate using German in a career in business, a technical field, public service, clergy, or law. Some may use the language as teachers. Some will use German as part of graduate study in any number of fields. Some enjoy learning about other cultures for personal enrichment. And of course many students are figuring out how German might be a part of their future lives; they simply like learning it. Regardless of your background or goals, the German program at KSU can be part of your path to success.

The key is to view this program as part of a lifelong learning process that began before you arrived at KSU and will continue for many years to come. In reality, no one masters a second language in even four years of undergraduate study (despite the empty promises of many commercial language products). But successful students in our program are extremely well positioned to master the German language eventually and to use it to enrich their lives and meet their goals. Your professors have all gone through this process themselves and are excited about helping you with it. It can change your life and open doors that you cannot imagine yet. No matter what your future holds, the KSU German program will provide a foundation that can help you meet your personal goals.

In fact, graduates of our program have gone on to successfully to pursue all of the goals described above.

On this page