Courses

Course of Study

During your first semester of study in Berlin, whether it be fall or spring, you should plan to enroll in the following courses:

• German language practicum (select here), 6 points (required)

• Selected topics in German studies, 3 points (recommended) (spring semester students may choose this course or History/German Studies I3600)

• Supervised study in the German university system, a minimum of 6 points

If you study for a second semester in Berlin, you should plan to enroll in the following:

• four courses, a minimum of 12 points (normally at least three supervised study in the German university system courses).

Upon completion of the six-week German language practicum, students are required to take a German language examination. As a result of this diagnostic examination, some students may be required to enroll in an FU German course for foreign students and to reduce the number of non-language courses they can take that term.

Your course of study is subject to the approval of the BCGS Academic Director.

Courses and Credit

Below please find the Columbia numbers, titles, and point values of courses for which BCGS students may register. Each BCGS member institution may have different course numbers, titles, and point values.

Visiting Students and those from Columbia will find these courses listed on a Columbia University transcript at the conclusion of their time in Berlin. Students from other BCGS member institutions should consult their home institution for how the courses and credit are handled. In some cases, such students will receive Columbia transcripts and transfer credit; in others, the courses and credit will be listed on the home institution's transcript directly.

Fulfillment of Academic Requirements

For both BCGS courses and German university courses, students are required to take examinations, to complete papers, and to fulfill all other requirements.

For FU or other German university courses, BCGS students will be graded on the same basis as their German counterparts. In keeping with German academic practice, students are responsible for securing Scheine (written appraisals of their work from their professors) and turning them into the Berlin office of the BCGS. Students should keep syllabi, bibliographies, notes, corrected papers, and examinations for eventual submission to their home school.

Course Descriptions

Select here for fall courses.

Select here for spring courses.

Select here for Freie Universität Berlin subject areas and courses.

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