German Studies is a research-centered and student-friendly department with several internationally renowned faculty members. The department covers the entire tradition of German culture within a European context, from early modern times to the present. Majors in German Studies excel intellectually, they are curious, independent thinkers, and open to the world.

The department currently organizes the History of Philosophy Workshop, funded by the Humanities Research Center, runs an interdisciplinary fellowship scheme in European Studies for gifted undergraduates of all humanities disciplines, and provides study abroad options in Leipzig, Berlin, and Freiburg/Breisgau. Particular strengths are in 18th to 20th-century literature, modern intellectual history and political thought, philosophy, and film studies.

The close connection between research and teaching lies at the heart of the department’s curriculum and enables students to develop original contributions at an early stage. Beyond a detailed and historically grounded understanding of German and European culture, students gain intellectual and social qualities that are highly valued in a global knowledge society: logical reasoning, critical thinking, linguistic skills, and cultural competence. German Studies majors often receive Fulbright Grants and continue at some of the best graduate schools in the U.S. and Europe.

This year, German Studies at Rice is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989-2009.