German Studies Honors Program
You've decided to major in our department. You're mastering the skills you need to speak, read and write well in German. But did you know that you can enhance your studies by choosing the HONORS program?
The honors program affords honors students sustained individual contact with faculty members. Honors students are called on to work independently to pursue a project that carries them beyond the regular undergraduate curriculum.
The honors program gives you a foretaste of graduate studies; you will discover what it means to be a scholar and what excellence in a discipline entails. Such an experience necessarily prepares you for graduate school and other pursuits in a manner that cannot be duplicated:
- Honors on your transcript will make your applications stronger.
- Sustained personal contact with faculty members enables faculty to write more detailed letters of recommendation.
- Graduate schools and prospective employers will be impressed by the initiative you have taken and the experience you have gained.
All this means you will be among the top candidates for scholarships, teaching assistantships and other positions. In other words: The HONORS PROGRAM IN GERMAN STUDIES is the difference between just another degree and the opportunity to challenge yourself and better prepare for your future.
Requirements
It is recommended that students take one of the following courses prior to entering the honors program: 320H or 322H.
The program requires 12 credits at the 300 and/or 400 level. These break down into part A (coursework) and part B (research).
Part A: Two upper division courses (6 credits) to be selected from the following courses:
- GERM397H: A reading course designed by teacher and student with a specific focus or individual reading project.
- GERM3-H/4-H: Students may choose from the honors courses listed in a given semester.
These courses shall be designated by the Honors Committee. By taking these courses, students agree to:
- A longer paper than is usually required in a 400-level course.
- Additional readings and writing assignments
- Additional meetings with the faculty member to discuss these assignments.
Part B: 6 credits of research and thesis writing:
- GERM398H: Research (3 credits). Students will select a thesis topic and conduct the necessary research under the direction of a regular German department faculty member.
- GERM499H: Thesis Writing (3 credits). Students will write their thesis under the direction of a regular German department faculty member. The thesis must be at least 20 pages long and preferably written in German. The thesis must be defended before two or more regular members of the German department faculty. An outside reader may also be invited.
- Students have the option of an honors concentration in German literature, German language or German area studies. Each proposed honors concentration must be approved by the Honors Committee.
Eligibility
Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.5 in the major to be accepted into the department honors program. To remain in the program, students must also maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.5 in the major. Transfer students with equivalent academic standing at an accredited institution must also meet these eligibility requirements. Under exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Honors Committee.
Students may drop the honors program without losing any credits acquired.
Program Benefits
Participation in the departmental honors program means:
- Enrollment in graduate courses
- Graduate library privileges (lending period of 58 days)
Participation in the departmental honors program also enhances the chances of:
- Nomination to the Dean's Senior Scholar Program
- Recommendation for the University Undergraduate Apprenticeship in Research and Scholarship
Who to Contact
Regina Haag
School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Associate Clinical Professor, UG Advisor, German Studies
3224 Jiménez Hall
College Park
MD,
20742