Germanic Studies Undergraduate Program

The Major

The BA in Germanic Studies is centered on the study of the German language and the literatures and cultures of Germanic 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, to recognize and interpret the diverse cultural perspectives and products of the German-speaking world, and to be culturally sensitive members of society.

Prerequisite:
Prerequisites, in italics, imply “or equivalent knowledge”

GERM103 Intensive Elementary German (4)
GERM203 Intensive Intermediate German (4)

Core Language Sequence: (9)

GERM204 German Grammar Review (203)
GERM301 Conversation/Composition I: Germany and its People (204)
GERM302 Conversation/Composition II: Current Topics in German Society (301)

Area Requirements: (27)

Nine courses, to include a minimum of 2 upper-level courses in each of three areas: literature, language, and culture.

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 Germanic Studies advisor, up to 6 credits of these courses may be taken outside the department.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad for at least one summer session is highly recommended. With the approval of the major advisor, courses taken through Study Abroad may be applied to the total of 36 credits. Internships (GERM368) are also encouraged (no more than 3 credits may be applied to the major).

Highlights:

  • 36 credits beyond GERM 203
  • 9 credits core language sequence (GERM204-301-302)
  • At least 2 courses each from upper-level language (such as GERM401, 403, 405, 315, 316, 419 and special topics courses), literature (such as GERM320, 321, 322, 421, 422 and special topics courses), culture (such as GERM368, 381,382, 383, and special topics courses), for total of 18 credits
  • No more than 9 credits toward the 36 total from courses in English
  • No more than 6 credits toward the 36 total from outside the German department

    • Advising

    Advising is crucial to the successful completion of the degree. Departmental advising is mandatory at least once every semester to obtain approval for the program of study and update departmental files.

    Students whose advanced level of German allows them to pass out of any or all of the core language sequence are placed into appropriate courses in consultation with the advisor.

    Minor in Germanic Studies

    A total of 15 credit hours is required for the minor (beyond GERM 203), and all courses
    must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher. Courses that count for the minor include:
    Any course taught in German beyond German 203 or its equivalent.

    3 of these 5 courses (9 hours) counting for the minor must be on the upper
    division level; one literature, one language, and one culture.

    Oversight of this minor program will be conducted through the normal academic
    processes in the Germanic Studies Department. The Undergraduate Director will be
    responsible for ensuring that students are properly advised and that records are
    appropriately kept. Interested students should contact Prof. Gabriele Strauch,
    Undergraduate Advisor at gstrauch@umd.edu Tel: (301) 405-0734.

    German 103 and 203 are required, or their equivalents as determined through
    departmental advising.

    Enhance your Studies: Honors in Germanic Studies

    You've decided to major in our department. You're mastering the skills you need to speak, read and write a Germanic language well. 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 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 strong.
    • Sustained personal contact with faculty members means the likelihood of excellent 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 LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES is the difference between just another degree and the opportunity to challenge yourself and confront your future.

    Program Requirements

    It is recommended that students take on of the following sections/courses prior to entering the Honors Program: 201H, 220H, 321H, 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:

    • GERM 397H: A reading course designed by teacher and student focus or individual reading project.
    • GERM 3-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:
    1. A longer paper than is usually required in a 400 level course (7-10 pages in German or the language of study).
    2. Additional readings, and
    3. Additional meetings with the faculty member to discuss these readings.

    Part B
    Six credits of research and thesis writing:

    • GERM 398H: Research course (3 credits). Students will select a thesis topic and conduct the necessary research under the direction of a regular German Department faculty member.
    • GERM 499H: Thesis Writing Course (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 or the language os study. 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.

    Honors Studies Director: Dr. Rose-Marie Oster, JMZ 3224 (301) 405-4096. E-mail: rmoster@umd.edu.

    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.

    Honors and Privileges

    Participation in the Department Honors Program means:

    • Enrollment in graduate courses
    • Graduate library privileges (lending period of 58 days)
    • Monetary awards and book prizes

    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
    • Acceptance into the Language House

    The German-Engineering Double Degree Program

    A double degree in German and Engineering is available. More information is available here