German PK-12 Education Minor
Minor (M)
Undergraduate Minor
Allendale • Face to face • 27 Credits
The German teaching minor helps students gain linguistic proficiency and cultural competency in German-speaking countries while learning the principles of German pedagogy.
Overview
The program focuses on developing language proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension while exploring key aspects of German pedagogy. With around 100 million native speakers, German is the second most widely spoken language in Europe.
Along with language proficiency, coursework will help you gain practical skills for critical thinking and analysis, communication, flexibility, and education. All German PK-12 education minors must complete an approved study abroad program in a German-speaking country for at least one semester and achieve the advanced low level on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in German before student teaching.
Studying German prepares you for multicultural career settings both in the U.S. and abroad, complementing majors like international relations, business, history, political science, sciences, and fine arts. The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures collaborates with the Padnos International Center to offer numerous study abroad opportunities. Learning German broadens knowledge of cross-cultural communication, intercultural competence, interpersonal skills, and analytical skills. German is vital in research and development, with Germany being the third-largest contributor to scientific research development and offers fellowships to international scientists.
Admission Information
Oral Proficiency Requirement
It is a requirement of the Michigan Department of Education and Grand Valley's College of Education and Community Innovation that teacher candidates achieve the advanced low level on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in German before student teaching. The OPI should be taken right away after returning from a study abroad program. Information sessions on the OPI and other requirements for certification are provided each semester.
Study Abroad Requirement
All German PK-12 education minors must complete an approved study abroad program in a German-speaking country of at least of one semester in length. Students who cannot complete this requirement may work with a faculty advisor to complete one of several alternative programs, which may add additional credits. Students who have already spent considerable time abroad, especially in a German-language high school, may be exempt from the requirement. Please discuss your situation with an advisor as early in your program as possible. Note: Per program accreditation requirements, teacher certification coursework in world languages must be at the 300-level or above. Students may need to take up to 16 additional credits (GER 101, GER 102, GER 201 and GER 202) before beginning the 300-level coursework, depending on language placement or credits earned by exam.
Modern Languages and Literatures
gvsu.edu/mll
Mackinac Hall
B-2-243
(616) 331-3203
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