The Department of German is committed to fostering an environment of access, opportunities, and diversity We aim to create and maintain a welcoming environment through our course offerings and outreach. Our pedagogical approach is student-centered, i.e., the experiences of all course participants guide class discussions. Our language courses and courses for majors and minors regularly include discussion of issues surrounding diversity, particularly those rooted in German history, such as the Holocaust and xenophobia. 

Access, opportunity, and diversity in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The principles of access, opportunity, and diversity are fundamental to the mission of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa, as we conduct our work in the context of the whole of humanity.

• In our teaching, we encourage exploration, inquiry, and the questioning of the many facets of human experience and understanding.
• In our research, scholarship, and creativity, we generate new knowledge and perspectives, while reflecting and shaping the cultures and societies in which we live.
• In our service to Iowans, we partner with communities to address critical challenges and foster leadership in a global context.

By embracing this vision together, we are laying a strong foundation that empowers all Hawkeyes to succeed and lead in a diverse and ever-changing world.

 With a commitment to meeting accreditation requirements, upholding the professional code of ethics, and aligning with Higher Learning Commission standards throughout CLAS, we strive to maintain the highest standards of integrity and excellence.