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What’s special about German at UMBC?
At UMBC the study of German is part of the major and minor programs of the department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication (MLLI). The MLLI faculty, which includes a unique combination of specialists in linguistics, sociology, film and media, cultural and literary studies, and pedagogy have been pioneers in developing an interdisciplinary curriculum. Most university language programs focus almost exclusively on language and literature. Not UMBC: In the interdisciplinary MLLI program, German students participate with students of other languages in a common core of courses that stress linguistic and cultural analysis. Therefore, aside from acquiring proficiency in the German language and knowledge of culture in the German-speaking world, they also learn about the fascinating dynamics of languages and cultures in general.
German courses address an exciting variety of cultural, sociological, and literary themes. UMBC German students learn about the histories, the cultures, and the social issues of the societies in which German is spoken while also learning and practicing applicable skills for today’s professional world. Classes in advanced German courses are small and offer the opportunity for individual growth and interaction with professors and peers.
Major Track options in German:
1. Language and Cultural Studies (39 credits)
The Language and Cultural Studies (German Track) has become the most popular option among our students to pursue a degree with a focus in German. It allows students to incorporate some courses from other fields into their course of study. Courses must be pre-approved by the student’s academic advisor.
• 12 credits of core courses, chosen from: MLL/LING/ENGL 190, MLL/LING/ENGL 191, MLL/LING 230, MLL 301, MLL 305
• 12 credits upper-level courses: GERM 301, 302 and two courses chosen from GERM 303, 309, 310, 375, 421.
• 15 elective credits, consisting of MLL 261, MLL 332 and/or additional language courses. Up to two courses relevant to GERM studies from other fields may be applied with the approval of the German advisor.
2. One-Language Option (40 credits)
The One-language option in German is attractive for students who enter the university with a solid foundation in German from high school. Many of those students add German as a major while at UMBC.
Choose Track A or Track B:
TRACK A: Cultural Studies concentration – Germany Then and Now
• 9 credits: MLL/LING/ENGL 190, MLL/LING 230, MLL 301, MLL 305 (Choose 3 of these 4 courses offered. Note: All core courses must be taken at UMBC)
• 16 credits: GERM 202, 301, 302, 315, 401
• 9 credits Cultural Studies courses: GERM 303, 375, 481
• 6 credits of elective GERM courses at the 300 and 400 level. One of these 2 courses can be an MLL course or from a discipline outside of MLLI. Any course from the Advanced Language Study track is also permissible. Recommended: GERM 420, 421 or MLL 332
TRACK B: Advanced Language Study – Intercultural and Professional Communication and Globalization
• 9 credits: MLL/LING/ENGL 190, MLL/LING 230, MLL 301, MLL 305 (Choose 3 of these 4 courses offered. Note: All core courses must be taken at UMBC)
• 16 credits: GERM 202, 301, 302, 315, 401
• 9 credits Advanced Language Study courses: GERM 303, 310, 420
• 6 credits of elective GERM courses at the 300 and 400 level. One of these 2 courses can be an MLL course or from a discipline outside of MLLI. Any course from the Cultural Studies track is also permissible. Recommended: GERM 309, 319, 481, MLL 305
3. Two-Language Option (43 credits)
The Two-language option in German is attractive for students who enter the university with a good foundation in German from high school and want to add (or continue to study) a second language while at UMBC.
Primary Language – German
• 9 credits of core courses: MLL/LING/ENGL 190, MLL/LING 230 or MLL 305, MLL 301
• 13 credits: GERM 202, 301, 302, 303
• 6 credits, chosen from GERM 309 (or 310), 375, and 421
• 3 credits: elective German courses at the 300 or 400 level
• 12 credits in a second language above 202, taught in the target language
Minor Program (22 credits)
A minor in German combines well with any major. Speaking more than one language and knowing about more than one culture is a definite advantage in any career.
• 3 credits: one MLL core course: MLL/LING/ENGL 190, MLL/LING/ENGL 191, MLL/LING 230, MLL 301, MLL 305 (Note: the core course for the minor must be taken at UMBC)
• 10 credits: GERM 202, 301, 302
• 9 credits of elective GERM courses at the 300 or 400 level
Certificate in German Studies (17 credits)
A popular program for students who chose German to fulfill UMBC’s language requirement and realize they enjoy learning and studying the language and culture. Any freshman starting with Geman 101 is able to add a certificate in German to their degree.
• GERM 201 (4-credit class)
• GERM 202 (4-credit class)
• GERM 301
Certificate electives (choose two):• Any GERM course above 301
• MLL 332: Special Topics in German CultureNote: All courses in fulfillment of the Certificate in Language Studies must be completed with a grade of “B” or higher.
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Scholarships!
The German Area of the Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication offers substantial scholarships, the Knapple and the Plogman Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded annually on a competitive basis to UMBC German majors and minors. The call for applications usually goes out in November and scholarship recipients are notified in early December. For testimony from past recipients and application requirements, see MLLI’s webpage on Scholarships.