German (GRMN)

Learning a language other than one’s own is an opening on the world, on the beliefs and practices expressed in that second language. As our Earth shrinks to a global village, knowledge of foreign languages becomes increasingly valuable. Translation can never adequately substitute for direct communication in another language.

The best reason for language study is that the mental habits it teaches give a heightened awareness of the linguistic bias of one’s own thinking and of the power and limitations of language itself.

America has numerous ties, social and cultural, with German-speaking nations: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A knowledge of German is invaluable for the study of European culture in philosophy, literature and the fine arts. It is also practical for all those engaged in international commerce, scientific research and technology.

Students entering Piedmont with substantial language ability (at least of two years of high school German with at least a “B” average) and/or established placement from another institution may complete only the 1102-level course to fulfill the foreign language general education requirement. Additionally, if a student chooses to take a 2000-level or higher course in a foreign language and successfully completes the course, the foreign language requirement is considered satisfied.

Course Descriptions