Illinois Wesleyan University

What you'll study

The programme develops competency in German through progressive language courses and complements speaking and writing skills with study of literature, film, culture and linguistics. First- and second-year courses focus on active use of the language: grammar review, composition, conversation and listening comprehension. Upper-level work moves into German and Germanophone literatures, cultural history, film and media studies, translation, and applied language projects.

The linguistics component introduces students to the scientific study of language with courses that commonly include phonetics and phonology, morphology and syntax, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics and language acquisition. Students can expect seminar-style classes, close textual analysis, applied research projects and opportunities for independent study or a senior capstone project that integrates linguistic theory with empirical data or a cultural-literary focus.

• Elementary, intermediate and advanced German language
• German literature and culture from medieval to contemporary periods
• German film, media and cultural studies
• Translation and interpretation practicum
• Introduction to linguistics, phonetics, syntax and sociolinguistics
• Historical Germanic linguistics and comparative Germanic studies
• Senior seminar or independent research/capstone project

Structure

As a liberal-arts major, the degree combines a core sequence in language with electives in literature, culture and linguistics, plus general education requirements. Students normally take a mix of small seminars and language labs, and may combine the major with minors or double majors across the humanities and social sciences. Study abroad in a German-speaking country is strongly encouraged and often taken for a semester or year to enhance language immersion.

Entry requirements

Applicants are admitted to Illinois Wesleyan University under the institution's undergraduate admission process and must meet the university's general entry standards. Typical preparation for this major includes successful completion of high-school language study where available, and a strong record in humanities and language courses.

Specific requirements for international applicants include submission of official secondary-school records and proof of English proficiency if the applicant's first language is not English. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and descriptions of previously completed language courses so appropriate placement can be determined. All applicants may be asked for recommendation letters and a personal statement describing their interest in languages and linguistics.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics have a wide range of career pathways. Language skills and analytical training prepare alumni for teaching (including routes to teacher certification), graduate study in linguistics, literature, translation or area studies, and careers in international business, diplomacy, cultural institutions and non-profit organisations. Other common fields include publishing and editing, translation and localisation, language technology and computational linguistics, tourism and hospitality, and media and communications.

Internships, study abroad and department-supported work placements help students gain practical experience and professional contacts. The combination of linguistic analysis, cultural literacy and communication skills is also attractive to employers in research, policy and technology sectors.

Why study at Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan offers a small liberal-arts environment where students study in close-knit classes and have frequent one-to-one contact with faculty. The languages programme emphasises active language use, undergraduate research and experiential learning, with departmental support for study abroad and internships in German-speaking regions to deepen linguistic and cultural competence.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across humanities and social sciences, student language organisations and cultural events on campus, as well as institutional resources such as academic advising, a writing centre and career services that support preparation for work or graduate study. These features make Illinois Wesleyan a strong place for students who want personalised mentorship and a broad liberal-arts foundation alongside specialised training in Germanic languages and linguistics.