German Studies at Rhodes is called ‘German Studies’ because we deal not only with the acquisition of the German language, but also with the cultures and literatures of the German-speaking world, as well as with Translation Studies. We thus hope to give you a more holistic approach to our subject:

We start in the first-year course with an introduction to the language for beginners. Yet the focus in this and subsequent courses is not only on competence in written and spoken German language; since real competence also entails cultural knowledge, you are familiarised with German, Austrian and Swiss culture in the broadest sense, including modules on German literature, on history and geography, on customs and institutions. The aim is to render you as culturally sensitive and critical, as well as adaptable and versatile in preparation for your professional life, thus modules in which skills such as translation are taught are also included. Weekly tutorials with advanced German students facilitate consolidation of materials covered in lectures and enable you to enhance your level of spoken German.

German Studies is a three-year major subject which may be studied for degree curricula in the Faculty of Humanities. In the literature and cultural studies sections the medium of instruction and examining is primarily English, though texts have to be read and studied in German. One, or in some cases two courses in German Studies are allowed as credits for degree and diploma curricula in the Faculties of Commerce, Science and Law.

German Studies 1

This is an introductory language and cultural studies ("Landeskunde") course for students who have not attained a matriculation or equivalent pass in German. Students who have studied German before may, in consultation with staff, proceed directly to German Studies 2. 

Paper 1: Language
Paper 2: Literature, cultural studies ("Landeskunde")

German Studies 2

Paper 1: Cultural studies
Paper 2: Literature
Paper 3: Language, translation

German Studies 3

Paper 1: Cultural studies
Paper 2: Text analysis, translation
Paper 3: Literature
Paper 4: Language

Last Modified: Wed, 25 Jan 2023 11:14:31 SAST