Germanic Studies Programs

The department of Germanic and Slavic Studies offers a full complement of courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Germanic Studies in the General, Major or Minor Programs.

Undergraduate work is done at two successive levels: introductory at the 100/200 level, and advanced at the 300/400 level. Students may not enrol in introductory courses after having completed an advanced course in the same area. They may, however, enrol concurrently in both introductory and advanced courses with departmental permission.

Language of Instruction

Unless indicated in the course listing, GMST courses are offered in English.

Course Challenge

The department of Germanic and Slavic Studies does not permit students to gain credit by course challenge. Students with prior knowledge of German may, however, apply to the Chair of the department for a waiver of lower-level program requirements.

Native Speakers

Native speakers of German may not obtain credit for first- or second-year language courses. A native speaker is defined in this context as a person who has spoken German since childhood and/or has received sufficient instruction in the language to be literate in it. The department will assign students with previous knowledge to the appropriate level.

Transfer Credit

Students are encouraged to take courses at universities in German-speaking countries; the department recognizes a broad variety of courses in German language, literature and cultural studies for transfer credit. The Faculty regulation for the Major Program that at least 12 of the 15 units numbered 300 or 400 are required to be taken at UVic may be lowered to 9 units for students who complete at least 12 units of German courses at a university in a German-speaking country, or to 10.5 units for students who complete at least 7.5 units of German courses at a university in a German-speaking country, and who in either case have completed 3 units of 200-level courses at UVic.

Students must obtain a Letter of Permission before undertaking studies at universities in German-speaking countries. To ensure that the transfer credit is granted for courses taken elsewhere, students MUST consult with the Advising Centre for the Faculties of Humanities, Science and Social Science BEFORE applying for a Letter of Permission.

Honours Program

The Honours Program provides qualified students of German the opportunity to study German Language, Literature and Culture more intensively than in other programs, develop advanced analytical competence and deepen their understanding. It also prepares students for graduate studies.

Admission to the Honours Program requires a GPA of at least 5.5 in a minimum of 7.5 units of introductory courses (must include either GMST 260 or 261 with a minimum B+) and the permission of the department. Applications for admission are usually made at the end of the second year of studies; students interested in pursuing an Honours program in Germanic Studies should consult the department at an early stage in their undergraduate studies.

The Honours Program requires a minimum of 21 units of upper-level courses, including either GMST 301 or 302, and 499. An Honours degree requires a graduating GPA of at least 3.5 and at least a B- in 499.

Major Program

Admission to the Major Program requires a GPA of at least 3.0 in a minimum of 7.5 units of introductory courses (must include either GMST 260 or 261 with a minimum C+).

The Major program consists of 15 units of upper-level course, including either GMST 301 or 302. Students interested in pursuing a Major in Germanic Studies are advised to consult the department very yearly during their undergraduate studies, preferably in their first year of studies.

General and Minor Programs

Students wishing to take Germanic Studies in one of these programs must take 7.5 units of introductory courses (must include either GMST 260 or 261) and 9 units of upper-level courses, including either GMST 301 or 302.

Courses in German language

Courses open to all students: No knowledge of German required