German Studies Major
The 36-credit B.A. in German studies is centered on the study of the language, literature and culture of the German-speaking world.
Undergraduate majors develop advanced language proficiency in German and demonstrate knowledge of the institutions, values and cultural products of the German-speaking world. The major consists of 9 credits in the core language sequence (GERM204, 301, 302); 27 credits of 300- and 400-level courses (6 credits of language courses; 6 credits of literature courses; 6 credits of culture courses; and 9 credits of electives).
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the requirements for the major in German studies can expect to be able to speak, read, write and understand German at a level that would allow them to communicate with native speakers, to recognize and interpret the diverse cultural perspectives and products of the German-speaking world and to be culturally sensitive members of society. Students will acquire the following knowledge and skills:
- Understand and make themselves understood by native speakers of German in spoken and written media; recognize and use a variety of registers of written and spoken German; practice both spontaneous and reflective writing; translate texts from German to English beyond a word-for-word level; and recognize strategies for improving linguistic competence in German.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major ideas in the study of texts and traditions of the German-speaking world.
- Interpret written texts in a variety of genres and understand the importance of authorial or speaker perspective in the interpretation of texts.
- Conduct research in the fields of language, literature and culture in German.
- Demonstrate sensitivity toward speakers and learners of other languages and toward individuals and groups from diverse cultural and linguistic traditions.
Program Requirements
World Language Placement
All students new to SLLC courses must take the online World Language Placement Assessment (WLP) before registering for classes.
Prerequisite Courses
- GERM103 - Intensive Elementary German - 4 credits
- Prerequisites: None
- GERM203 - Intensive Intermediate German - 4 credits
- Prerequisites: GERM103
Language Acquisition Courses (9 Credits)
- GERM204 - German Grammar Review - 3 credits
- Prerequisites: GERM103
- GERM301 - Conversation and Composition I: Germany and Its People - 3 credits
- Prerequisites: GERM204
- GERM302 - Conversation and Composition II: Current Topics in German Society - 3 credits
- Prerequisites: GERM301
Area Requirements (27 Credits)
Nine courses, to include a minimum of 2 upper-level courses in each of three areas: literature, language and culture.
Notes
- Students with prior experience in German may satisfy language acquisition requirements by placement in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.
- All prerequisites imply "or equivalent knowledge." In cases of equivalent knowledge, required language-focus credits are replaced with the written approval of the undergraduate advisor or program director. In order to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, students are required to take the World Language Placement Assessment (WLP).
- No more than 9 of the total 36 credits required may be satisfied by courses taught in English. With the approval of the German studies advisor, up to 6 credits of these courses may be taken outside the department. Most language courses taught in German are not open to fluent or native speakers of German.
- All majors returning from study abroad must take one 400-level course before graduating.
Study Abroad and Internships
Study abroad for at least one summer session is highly recommended. With the approval of the undergraduate advisor, courses taken through study abroad may be applied to the total of 36 credits. Internships (GERM386) are also encouraged (up to 6 credits may be applied to the major) and should be coordinated with the undergraduate advisor for approval.
Declaring the German Studies Major
Step 1: Carefully read all GERM major requirements.
Step 2: Read through all information carefully and pencil in a sequence of courses to discuss with Undergraduate Advisor Dr. Regina Ianozi, ianozi@umd.edu.
Step 3: Contact the Office of Student Affairs at the College of Arts and Humanities (301-405-2108) to make an appointment to discuss the non-German studies aspects of your 4-year-plan (bring signed form from previous step), including CORE courses. Walk-in hours are also available.
Step 4: If you are adding German studies as an additional major, check with your home department and college to identify paperwork you may need to complete.
Program Director
Josh Alvizu
Assistant Professor, School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Assistant Professor of German Studies and the Environmental Humanities, German Studies
3225 Jiménez Hall
College Park
MD,
20742
Program Advisor
Regina Haag
School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Associate Clinical Professor, UG Advisor, German Studies
3224 Jiménez Hall
College Park
MD,
20742