Bachelor of Arts in German Studies

THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GERMAN STUDIES prepares students to develop advanced language proficiency in German and demonstrate knowledge of the institutions, values and cultural products of the German-speaking world. Majors can expect to speak, read, write and understand German at an advanced proficiency level. Through language acquisition, cultural investigation and professional growth, graduates become well-rounded global citizens prepared for a variety of careers.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

The School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) at the University of Maryland integrates language learning with in-depth literary and applied linguistics studies. SLLC students explore cultural landscapes in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention.

COURSEWORK

German coursework explores the language, literature and culture of German-speaking regions. German is offered at all levels, as well as professional German and advanced German- language courses on German literature, culture and film. The curriculum includes English-language courses focusing on the cultures of the German-speaking world, such as popular classes on Grimms’ fairy tales, German cinema and Germany and the environment. Students have several exciting options to study abroad, as well as the opportunity to earn credit toward the major for internships with companies in both the U.S. and German-speaking countries.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Language House students live in a multicultural community of 11 language clusters where they develop language fluency and cultural appreciation. Led by native-speaking mentors, residents engage in hands on, immersive activities that prepare them for future global engagement.

The Language Partner Program provides students with structured one-on-one weekly interactions with an international student to develop conversation skills, deeper linguistic understanding and cross-cultural awareness.

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 (GERS204, 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:

1. 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.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major ideas in the study of texts and traditions of the German-speaking world.
3. Interpret written texts in a variety of genres and understand the importance of authorial or speaker perspective in the interpretation of texts.
4. Conduct research in the fields of language, literature and culture in German.
5. Demonstrate sensitivity toward speakers and learners of other languages and toward individuals and groups from diverse cultural and linguistic traditions.

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 (GERS386) 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 GERS major requirements.

Step 2: Read through all information carefully and pencil in a sequence of courses to discuss with Undergraduate Advisor Dr. Regina Haag, haag@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.