University of Maryland
Graduate Catalog Fall 2009

German Literature and Language (GERM)

Faculty

Chair
Beicken, Peter U.,

Professor
Beicken, Peter U., Frederiksen, Elke P., Fuegi, John B., Oster, Rose-Marie G.,

Professor Emeritus
Best, Otto F., Herin, Christoph A., Jones, George F., Walker, Richard E.,

Associate Professor
Moyer, Alene, Strauch, Gabriele L.,

Associate Professor Emeritus
Pfister, Guenter G.,

Assistant Professor
Koser, Julie,

Abstract

The German Program of the Department of Germanic Studies offers graduate study leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. The main focus is on Modern German Studies combining both discipline-based and interdisciplinary courses. The intellectual focus of the degrees is German-speaking Europe from the Enlightenment to the present, as represented in literary and non-literary texts, and other cultural objects.

The degrees reflect the paradigm shift within the field of German language and literature expanding the focus of Germanistik to a broader concentration on cultural studies which include gender studies, film studies, and postcolonial theory.

A concentration in Medieval Studies is also offered on an interdepartmental basis.

Admissions Information

In addition to the Graduate School requirements, candidates should have a bachelor's degree with a major in German language and literature or the equivalent, and fluency in the written and spoken language. Candidates for the doctorate must have a master's degree in German or in a related discipline such as Germanic studies, Scandinavian studies, language education, and Medieval studies.

Application Deadlines

 

Fall

Spring
Domestic Applicants:
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Domestic Applicant Deadlines


Applications must be received by January 15 .


Applications must be received by October 15 (October 1 preferred) .

 


International Applicants:
Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials

IMPORTANT:   International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.   

Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas

February 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1

June 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1

Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants

May 1
If Domestic Deadline is after May 1

October 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials

May 15
If Domestic Deadline is after May 15

October 31
If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31
 

Application Requirements

  1. No Tests
  2. 3 Letters of Recommendation
  3. Writing Sample
  4. Oral Interview (in person or by phone) with Graduate Director

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts (M.A.)

The M.A. degree program offers both a thesis and non-thesis option. For the thesis option, the student must complete 24 hours of coursework, the thesis with oral defense and a written comprehensive examination. The non-thesis option requires 30 hours of coursework, a mini-thesis with oral defense and a written comprehensive examination. For both options the comprehensives consist of two three-hour examinations based on the coursework and the M.A. reading list.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree requirements for the Ph.D. are as follows: 1) completion of at least 24 hours of coursework beyond the master's degree over a period of at least one year at the University of Maryland and a further 12 hours of dissertation research; 2) a reading skill examination in a language other than English or German, which may be another Germanic language or a language related to the candidate's research; 3) comprehensive written examinations; 4) presentation of the dissertation, an original study in the field of specialization on a topic approved by the advisor and the examining committee; and 5) the oral defense of the dissertation (one to two hours).

Facilities and Special Resources

In addition to its course offerings listed below, the German Program of the Department of Germanic Studies sponsors the German Club, the University of Maryland Chapter of Delta Phi Alpha (the national German language honors society). The department participates in the University Honors Programs and has a departmental honors program. Distinguished scholars and lecturers as well as visiting professors visit the metropolitan area and campus regularly. College Park's proximity to Washington, D.C., facilitates participation in the many cultural functions of the capital with its wealth of German and Scandinavian social groups and national societies: the Embassies of Austria, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland; the German Historical Institute, and the Goethe Institute.

Financial Assistance

The German Program offers graduate fellowships and teaching assistantships, and the Graduate School offers, on a competitive basis, fellowships, and grants.

Contact Information

For further information write to:

Coordinator of Graduate Studies
3215 Jimenez Hall
College Park
MD  20742
Telephone: (301) 405-4091
germanicstudies@.umd.edu

http://www.languages.umd.edu/German/

current URL: http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/catalog/programs/printable.cfm?CODE=113

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