German Studies Major
School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC)
http://sllc.umd.edu/german/
Program Director: Josh Alvizu, Ph.D.
The 36-credit BA in German Studies is centered on the study of the German language as well as the literatures and cultures of German-speaking peoples. Students who complete the requirements for the major can expect to be able to speak, read, write, and understand German at a level that would allow them to communicate with native speakers. Additionally, students will be able to recognize and interpret the diverse cultural perspectives and products of the German-speaking world, in order to be culturally sensitive members of society.
Placement in Courses
For information about the World Language Placement, go to: http://arhu.umd.edu/academics/world-language-placement/.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to communicate effectively in writing in German by demonstrating accuracy in use of grammatical structures, using appropriate linguistic register, formulating persuasive arguments supported with appropriate textual evidence and incorporating secondary literature.
- Students will be able to critically interpret written texts reflecting a diversity of perspectives in a variety of genres (literature, realia, correspondence, newspaper and magazine articles, poems, dramas, etc.) and demonstrate knowledge of literary concepts.
- Students will be able to communicate effectively in spoken German, demonstrating accuracy in use of grammatical structures, using appropriate linguistic register, and demonstrating a fluency in speaking that includes pronunciation that does not interfere with communication.
- Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the institutions, values, and cultural products of Germany and/or the German-speaking world, with specific attention to underrepresented experiences and cultural diversity.
- Critically analyze issues of power related to gender, sexuality, class, race/ethnicity, and/or mental or physical ability with attention to differences across time, geography and culture and with critical awareness of one’s own worldview, values, and biases.
Prerequisite: 8 credits: GERS103 and GERS203 or equivalent
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| College Requirements | ||
| Core Language Sequence | ||
| GERS204 | German Grammar Review | 3 |
| GERS301 | Conversation and Composition I: The German-Speaking World | 3 |
| GERS302 | Conversation and Composition II: Current Topics in German-Speaking Society | 3 |
| Area Requirements 1 | ||
| Select a minimum of 6 credits of the following language courses: | 6 | |
| Practicum in Translation I | ||
| Selected Topics in German Language Studies | ||
| Advanced Conversation and Composition | ||
| Selected Topics in German Language Studies | ||
| Variation in Contemporary German Language | ||
| Select a minimum of 6 credits of the following literature courses: | 6 | |
| Survey of German Studies | ||
| Highlights of German Literature and Culture | ||
| Kafka and Film: The Uncanny in Literature and Film | ||
| The Usual Suspects: Criminals in German Literature and Film | ||
| Selected Topics in German Literature | ||
| Gender and Sexuality in German Literature and Society | ||
| Literature as Cultural Discourse | ||
| The German-Jewish Experience | ||
| Literary or Media Genres | ||
| Select a minimum of 6 credits of the following culture courses: | 6 | |
| German for the Professions | ||
| Selected Topics in German Studies | ||
| Border Crossings and Cultural Transfers | ||
| Selected Topics in German Studies | ||
| Social Issues in German Culture | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select three 2xx-4xx level elective courses | 9 | |
| Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm 2 | ||
| Selected Topics in the Cultures of the German-Speaking Countries 2 | ||
| Special Topics in German Studies 2 | ||
| German Literature In Translation 2 | ||
| Germanic Literatures in Translation 2 | ||
| Literature in the Climate Crisis 2 | ||
| The 'Warrior' in German Culture: From Valiant Knights to Brazen Terrorists 2 | ||
| German Cinema 2 | ||
| Topics in German Culture 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
A minimum of two 3xx or 4xx level courses in each of three areas: language, literature, and culture.
- 2
Taught in English
Students must earn a grade of "C-" or higher in each course applied toward a major or minor in the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Additionally, an overall GPA of 2.0 in a major or minor is required for graduation.
Language of Instruction
No more than 9 credits of the 36 total required may be satisfied by courses taught in English. With the approval of the German Studies advisor, 6 of the 9 credits may be taken outside the department.
Click here for roadmaps for graduation plans in the College of Arts and Humanities.
Additional information on developing a graduation plan can be found on the following pages:
- http://4yearplans.umd.edu
- the Student Academic Success-Degree Completion Policy section of this catalog
Internships
Internships (GERS386) are also encouraged (no more than 6 credits may be applied to the major). GERS386 may not replace the required 6 credits of 3xx or 4xx level courses in any of the three categories.
Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website http://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/education-abroad/.