Lüneburg Courses – 2025-26 Yearlong

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Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.

Academics

You will enroll in 12 to 18 credits per semester comprised of language courses plus electives in German and European studies. All students must complete a minimum of two language courses, although we strongly encourage students to complete an entire language track. Course availability is contingent upon student enrollment and is subject to change.

Click the course title to view course details, description, and availability.

German Language Tracks

USAC offers intensive language courses grouped into tracks as well as elective language and literature courses. The track courses are taught sequentially (back to back) within one semester. If you have already taken the first course in the track, you do not have to take it again for credit, but you must audit it. Language course sections are kept to a maximum enrollment of 15 students each.

Language Courses

• Elementary German I

  Fall

  German 100-level 4 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 100-level 4 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of German. This class introduces German grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Students will learn greetings and useful expressions as well as basic skills in reading, writing, listening, above all, speaking. At the end of the class students will be able to engage in simple conversations with native speakers and navigate German speaking towns and cities.

• Elementary German II

  Fall

  German 100-level 4 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 100-level 4 credits Taught in German

  This class introduces German grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Students will learn greetings and useful expressions as well as basic skills in reading, writing, listening, above all, speaking. At the end of the class students will be able to engage in simple conversations with native speakers and navigate German speaking towns and cities.

  Prerequisite: one semester of college-level German, or equivalent

• Intermediate German I

  Fall

  German 200-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 200-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of German, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through active preparation for/and participation in classroom activities. Grammar and vocabulary are taught in the context of modern German culture in an immersive environment.

  Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• Intermediate German II

  Fall

  German 200-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 200-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of German, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through active preparation for/and participation in classroom activities. Grammar and vocabulary are taught in the context of modern German culture in an immersive environment.

  Prerequisite: three semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• German Composition I

  Fall

  German 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to improve the knowledge and expressive capabilities of German language students. Students will analyse written text, summarize readings, and practice using new vocabulary in written expressions.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• German Composition II

  Fall

  German 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to improve the knowledge and expressive capabilities of German language students. Students will analyse written text, summarize readings, and practice using new vocabulary in written expressions.

  Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• Advanced German I

  Fall

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to improve the knowledge and expressive capabilities of advanced German language students. Students will analyse written text, summarize readings, and practice using new vocabulary in written and oral expressions.

  Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• Advanced German II

  Fall

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to improve the knowledge and expressive capabilities of advanced German language students. Students will analyse written text, summarize readings, and practice using new vocabulary in written and oral expressions.

  Prerequisite: seven semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• Seminar in German Language

  Fall

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed for students with an advanced knowledge of German who want to augment their ability to comprehend spoken language and to express themselves more fluently. Possible gaps or poorly assimilated concepts from earlier language learning will be addressed, especially the particularly difficult grammatical elements such as syntactic structures, prepositions, and the subjunctive.

  Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

Fall Semester

Language and Literature Electives

• German for Business and Professional Use

  Fall

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to develop student competency in German language as it relates to business and economics. Students will develop terminology and syntax in economics, business administration, and marketing. Students will also become proficient in German business writing, correspondence, and verbal and written translation of business-related materials.

  Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• German Conversation I

  Fall

  German 200-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 200-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to improve the knowledge, listening, and expressive capabilities of intermediate language students. Students will not only learn necessary vocabulary to express themselves in daily situations, but they will also learn to navigate more complex situations through conversation and free discussion of contemporary topics, using visual material, listening comprehension exercises, and articles from German newspapers and magazines. The first part of the class will deal with different conversational themes, such as telephone conversations, going to restaurants, travel agency, etc. Related vocabulary will be introduced. Students will practice new vocabulary with role- playing, class discussion, as well as discussions of real-life situations.

  Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• German Conversation II

  Fall

  German World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to improve the knowledge, listening and expressive capabilities of intermediate/advanced language students. Students will not only learn necessary vocabulary to express oneself in daily situations, but also learn to express themselves in more difficult contexts through guided conversation and free discussion of contemporary topics using visual material, listening comprehension exercises, and articles from German newspapers and magazines. Related vocabulary will be introduced. Students will practice new vocabulary with role playing, class discussion, as well as real life situations.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

German and European Studies

• Business Ethics and Sustainability

  Fall

  General Business Natural Resources 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  General Business Natural Resources 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course will examine the ethical issues and decisions facing us as individuals, as employees and leaders within organizations, and as a society within the global context. The first part of the course will broadly introduce students to ethical frameworks, dilemmas, decision making, and economic justice. The second part will cover concepts such as sustainable development, fair trade, corporate social responsibility, and social enterprise. Students will delve deeper into specific issues related to business ethics, such as ethical marketing, workplace, and globalization during the final phase of the course.

  The instructor will discuss North American, European, and Asian business practices highlighting the global commonality with respect to ethical issues, but also the regional differences in approaching their resolution.

• German Cinema

  Fall

  Film German 200-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course examines German cinema in chronological order, starting with the silent era in the '20s, which includes the beginnings of the sound era and its technical innovations, and concluding with cinema under the Nazis and post-WWII, focusing on specific West and East German film genres like "Heimatfilm" and "Red Western." Film is not only a "cultural mirror," a valuable reflection of contemporary attitudes, philosophies, values, lifestyles, but also a form of culture.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• German-Speaking Europe and its Culture

  Fall

  German 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course entails an introduction to the culture and civilization of German-speaking Europe (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) in terms of historical and contemporary political perspectives. Students will explore the characteristics and the customs of German-speaking Europeans through readings and class discussions, but especially by observing daily life.

• Global Systems and Sustainability

  Fall

  Geography Natural Resources 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  Geography Natural Resources 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course provides an interdisciplinary investigation of the ways human activities impact the Earth’s environment on a global scale, including an examination of population, resource use, climate change, and biodiversity from scientific/technical and social/economic/historical/political perspectives.

• In Search of Ancestry in Germany and Europe: Tracing Your Family Genealogy

  Fall

  Anthropology History 100-level 1 credit Taught in English

  Spring

  Anthropology History 100-level 1 credit Taught in English

  This course focuses on the long-standing and deep cultural attachments and familial links to Germany in the United States. This diasporic relationship with the U.S. offers insight into the specific socio-historic relationship binding Germany and the U.S. Additionally, as immigrants from many other European countries left Europe in the late nineteenth century through German harbors, especially the Northern ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, the course will explore European emigration more broadly, addressing a variety of issues of how and why people emigrated, leaving Europe and their homes behind forever.

• International Affairs since 1945

  Fall

  Political Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course focuses on the history, theory, structures, and issues in international affairs. It begins with the historical and theoretical background and provides an overview of international structures and organizational developments before turning to specific issues and case studies, covering international affairs since 1945 with a focus on current events. We will examine how different actors – states, international organizations, and NGOs – engage in international politics to tackle a variety of global challenges. We will trace the impact of historical events on political developments, examine international organizations, and learn about existing dynamics and relevant actors in specific policy fields.

• International Business

  Fall

  International Business Management 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course will cover topics related to the challenges of competing in a global economy. Students will acquire knowledge in strategic management in a global competitive environment and develop the ability to effectively analyze how culture impacts motivation, leadership, communication, negotiation, decision-making, HRM practices, and the management of a multicultural workforce.

• Nationalism, Racism, and Diversity in Europe

  Fall

  Anthropology History Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  With new state-formation, democratization processes and economic transformation in Western Europe, a (re-) emergence of collective identities constructed along cultural, ethnic and religious lines across state boundaries can be observed. They have the inherent potential for profound processes of renewal as well as for violent conflicts. How do specific ethnic and religious groups, society and politics react? What are existing patterns for managing diversity and what new policy models and programs for management of cultural and social pluralism emerge? What happens to minorities involved in these change processes? In this class students will debate diversity and conflict in civil society to get a better understanding for peaceful and democratic decision-making.

• The European Union: Processes, Dynamics, and Structures

  Fall

  Economics Political Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  The course provides a general introduction to the European Union. Students learn about political theories of integration and study how scholars explain the establishment of the EU and its impact on the nation states and their economies. After examining the history of European integration and the political and economic context in which it developed, we cover the main institutions and their role in day to day politics. In the final part of the class, we analyze core EU policies, such as security, trade, social and economic policies.

Spring Semester

Language and Literature Electives

• German for Business and Professional Use

  Fall

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 400-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to develop student competency in German language as it relates to business and economics. Students will develop terminology and syntax in economics, business administration, and marketing. Students will also become proficient in German business writing, correspondence, and verbal and written translation of business-related materials.

  Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• Contemporary German Literature

  Spring

  German 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Students will read, discuss and write about contemporary German literature, including poetry, in its context, with the goal of identifying, interacting with and critiquing some of its main themes and features. These include reappraising universal values, German history and the reunifications, in addition to assessments of the particular characteristics of the German people and women's contributions to German literature. Beyond this, students will analyze contemporary German literature with respect to its cultural and historical backgrounds, prevalent writing styles and the literary characteristics of the works themselves.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• German Conversation I

  Fall

  German 200-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German 200-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to improve the knowledge, listening, and expressive capabilities of intermediate language students. Students will not only learn necessary vocabulary to express themselves in daily situations, but they will also learn to navigate more complex situations through conversation and free discussion of contemporary topics, using visual material, listening comprehension exercises, and articles from German newspapers and magazines. The first part of the class will deal with different conversational themes, such as telephone conversations, going to restaurants, travel agency, etc. Related vocabulary will be introduced. Students will practice new vocabulary with role- playing, class discussion, as well as discussions of real-life situations.

  Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• German Conversation II

  Fall

  German World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  Spring

  German World Languages and Literatures 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  This course is designed to improve the knowledge, listening and expressive capabilities of intermediate/advanced language students. Students will not only learn necessary vocabulary to express oneself in daily situations, but also learn to express themselves in more difficult contexts through guided conversation and free discussion of contemporary topics using visual material, listening comprehension exercises, and articles from German newspapers and magazines. Related vocabulary will be introduced. Students will practice new vocabulary with role playing, class discussion, as well as real life situations.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

German and European Studies

• 1933-45: Culture, Society, and Politics in Nazi Germany

  Spring

  History Political Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course seeks to understand the most infamous two decades of German history, its processes and society, as we look back in history and uncover key moments that likely built the foundation for a totalitarian system of hitherto unknown extremes. Some of these catalysts can be found in traditions and events that transpired within the past 60-100 years. After this introduction of cultural, economic and political factors, special attention will be paid to the impact that these factors had on the daily lives of Germans at the time. This includes antisemitism, gender relations, education, youth culture, resistance movements, and more. Finally, special attention will be paid to the post 1945 period, the foundation of two separate German states, and the way that these two dealt with their past. The course closes with a look at the presence of these topics in unified Germany, with a particular focus on the politics of memory and the memorial culture challenged by the recent surge of right-wing nationalism. The schedule may change due to current events.

• Business Ethics and Sustainability

  Fall

  General Business Natural Resources 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  General Business Natural Resources 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course will examine the ethical issues and decisions facing us as individuals, as employees and leaders within organizations, and as a society within the global context. The first part of the course will broadly introduce students to ethical frameworks, dilemmas, decision making, and economic justice. The second part will cover concepts such as sustainable development, fair trade, corporate social responsibility, and social enterprise. Students will delve deeper into specific issues related to business ethics, such as ethical marketing, workplace, and globalization during the final phase of the course.

  The instructor will discuss North American, European, and Asian business practices highlighting the global commonality with respect to ethical issues, but also the regional differences in approaching their resolution.

• Global Systems and Sustainability

  Fall

  Geography Natural Resources 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  Geography Natural Resources 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course provides an interdisciplinary investigation of the ways human activities impact the Earth’s environment on a global scale, including an examination of population, resource use, climate change, and biodiversity from scientific/technical and social/economic/historical/political perspectives.

• Government and Politics in Germany and Europe

  Spring

  Political Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of contemporary German politics within the context of the European Union. After a short overview of German history, the course will place emphasis on governmental institutions and policy making within the German polity as well as the political culture and the various political, social, and economic actors involved in the process.

• In Search of Ancestry in Germany and Europe: Tracing Your Family Genealogy

  Fall

  Anthropology History 100-level 1 credit Taught in English

  Spring

  Anthropology History 100-level 1 credit Taught in English

  This course focuses on the long-standing and deep cultural attachments and familial links to Germany in the United States. This diasporic relationship with the U.S. offers insight into the specific socio-historic relationship binding Germany and the U.S. Additionally, as immigrants from many other European countries left Europe in the late nineteenth century through German harbors, especially the Northern ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, the course will explore European emigration more broadly, addressing a variety of issues of how and why people emigrated, leaving Europe and their homes behind forever.

• Intercultural Communication

  Spring

  Speech Communications 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course focuses on an analysis of the impact of culture on communication, as differences in culturally-conditioned communication styles can easily lead to misunderstanding. By analyzing our own cultures to better understand those around us, students will develop an awareness of cultural differences and the ability to navigate them.

• Myths and Legends

  Spring

  Anthropology German 300-level 3 credits Taught in German

  All cultures have developed their myths and legends, consisting of narratives of their history, religions, and heroes. Myths and legends hold symbolic meaning, and this is a major reason why they have survived. They are the authority in the study of existentialism and annotations of myths are necessary.

  In this course the emphasis is put on two major fields:

  •Different myths from Antiquity to Modern Age. A special attention will be given to Greek, Roman and North-European Mythology.

  •Special topics such as mythological places and creatures etc.

  The globalizing postmodern world evokes the need for understanding different, old cultures within its specific historical contexts. The human search for an explanation of the world through basic principles (God, universe, nature, and man) and their relation to each other is a legitimate academic approach.

  In this context, the course proposes to study how man has created a system of myths, legends and symbols throughout history in different cultures that produced a series of modern phenomena and cultural conventions connected to its specific localizations.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level German, or equivalent

• Operations Management

  Spring

  General Business Management Supply Chain Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course covers topics related to decision-making concepts of operations planning, implementation, and control. Students will develop a strong theoretical foundation to effectively forecast and analyze customer service inventory management processes, just-in-time productions, supply chain management processes, and quality assessment/improvement in services and manufacturing.

To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu

Internships

For eligibility requirements and application information, see the USAC internship page.

For more information about placement options, see the Lüneburg internship page.

• Internship

  Fall

  Internships 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  Internships 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  USAC skills-based internships abroad are designed to complement a student’s program of study while providing a structured work or field experience under the direction of a professional supervisor and with the oversight and support of an on-site USAC internship coordinator.

  USAC internships facilitate the academic and professional development of students through:

  1) the practical application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a professional work environment.

  2) the further development of practical competencies essential to the ongoing work of the placement site.

  3) the cultivation of a network of professional contacts.

  USAC internships will expose students to the workplace culture, norms, and expectations of their respective placement site and host country, deepening cross-cultural understanding and helping students develop intercultural communication and language skills in an internationally focused organization or other professional work setting.

  Through the consistent participation in the processes and practices of a professional field, students will acquire a working knowledge of that field and will apply that learning to their own career and academic choices and goals.

  This course has an additional fee

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