German
As a liberal arts college founded by Norwegian settlers and located in a community with a distinctive Norwegian flavor, Luther College has a vital interest in international cultures and languages.
German is one of four language majors at Luther. The department also offers majors in French, Spanish, and Scandinavian studies and a minor in Russian studies. Greek, Latin, and classics majors are offered by the classics department. Introductory courses in Hebrew and Italian are taught regularly.
Seven courses form the core of the German major. Depending on previous language experience, students seeking a major are required to complete two semesters of intermediate German, one course in conversation and composition, and three in German literary history. The remaining courses involve electives and work in the literature of Germany.
Perhaps the most unusual course is German Play. Students develop a concept, write an entire play, and perform their completed work onstage at semester's end. All language students are invited to attend the performance.
The goal of the course sequence is to equip Luther students with the language skills necessary to understand and appreciate the culture and literature of the Germanic people. Each German major is also prepared to use the language in a variety of professions or in graduate school.