What's special about German at UMBC?
t 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 inc1udes 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 three courses that stress linguistic and cultural analysis. Therefore, aside from acquiring proficiency in the German language and knowledge of German culture, 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 problems of the societies in which German is spoken. Classes in advanced German courses are small and offer the opportunity for individual interaction with professors.
Major Program
(For a complete description see the UMBC Undergraduate Catalogue.)

All majors who pursue the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication take a common core of courses, as follows:
  • MLL 190 The World of Language I (offered both semesters and typically in the Summer and Winter)
  • MLL 230 World Language Communities (offered Fall and frequently in the Summer)
  • MLL 301 Textual Analysis: Words, Images, Music (offered in the Spring)
    Although not required, MLL 191: The World of Language II is highly recommended.

Students may select one of four options for the major:
Students select either a one-language (German) or two-language (German and a second language) option.

Courses required for the major are:

I. One-Language Option (40 credits)

  • MLL 190, 230, 301 (see above)
  • GERM 202 Intermediate German
  • GERM 301 Advanced German I. (Fall)
  • GERM 302 Intermediate German II. (Spring)
  • GERM 303 Topics in German (Fall) Recent topics include: German Women of the Fifties, German Fairy Tales
  • GERM 311 Introduction to German Literature and Culture I. (Spring of every other year.)
  • GERM 312 Introduction to German Literature and Culture II. (Spring of every other year.)
  • GERM 401 Studies in German Language
  • GERM 421 Studies in German Literature. Recent topics include Post-War German Literature, the German Novelle
  • GERM 481 Seminar in German. Recent topics include German Humor: An Oxymoron?, The History of German Film, Films by German Women Directors, Prussia in Literature and Film, Film and Literature in the Nazi Period

II. Two-Language Option (40 credits)

  • Nine credits: MLL 190, 230, 301
  • Thirteen credits: GERM 202, 301, 302, 303
  • Six credits of elective GERM courses at the 300 and 400 level, with at least three credits at the 400 level and with at least one course in literature and one course in civilization
  • Twelve credits in a second language (above 202)—departmental certificate of achievement level—taught in the target language

    Note: 16 credits must be taken in courses taught in German.
Suggested Sequence of German Courses in the Major
GERM 202 Prerequisite: GERM 201 (with a grade of "C" or higher) or completion of Level 4 in high school
MLL 190
GERM 301 (F) Prerequisite: GERM 202 (with a grade of "C" or higher) or completion of Level 5 in high school
GERM 302 (S) Prerequisite: GERM 301 or permission of instructor
GERM 303 (F) Prerequisite: GERM 301 and 302 or 303 or permission of instructor
MLL 301 (S) Prerequisite: MLL 190 or 191
GERM 311* (S) Prerequisite: GERM 301 and 302 or 303 or permission of instructor
GERM 312* (S) Prerequisite: GERM 301 and 302 or 303 or permission of instructor
*GERM 311 and 312 are offered every other Spring. The order in which they are taken does not matter.
Electives on the 300 level in German
GERM 401 Prerequisite: GERM 302
GERM 421 Prerequisite: GERM 311 and 312 or permission of instructor
GERM 481 Prerequisite: 12 hours in German (202 and above) or permission of instructor
Electives on the 400 level in German
Minor
(For a complete description see the UMBC Undergraduate Catalog.)
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. Required courses are::

Either MLL 190, MLL 230 or MLL 301
GERM 301 and GERM 302
Nine credits of GERM courses at the 300 and 400 level
Honors
Outstanding students may complete their degree with Honors in Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication in German. The Honors program is based on extensive personal interaction with faculty and other honors students, including a final independent study project directed by a faculty member.
Assessment Testing
The Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication has instituted assessment testing for incoming and outgoing majors. Results from the initial test will be used to identify areas for improvement. The outgoing test will serve to document the student's progress. Neither test will affect the student's academic record.
Student Portfolio
The Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication has, for accountability purposes, instituted a rule that each major keep a portfolio, containing information on assessment testing as well as writing samples, from al1 300- and 400-level courses. Usually this means that in each 300- and 400-level German course, a student will select one ungraded written in-class assignment and one graded homework assignment or term paper to be placed in the portfolio.
Delta Phi Alpha
The German Area established a local chapter, Iota Beta, of the National German Honors Society, Delta Phi Alpha. Nominations are accepted each Spring, inductions are made in mid-May.

Department Awards
Every year, the Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication recognizes outstanding senior students with several awards, inc1uding the Palomares Award for Academic Excellence and Service and the Roswell Award for Excellence in Writing.
Scholarships
The German Area of the Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication offers two scholarships, the Knapple Scholarship and the Plogman Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded annually on a competitive basis to UMBC German majors. Announcements are made in March, awards in May. In addition, the Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication offers scholarships for study abroad. Announcements and awards are made each Spring.
International Multimedia Center
UMBC's state-of-the-art International Multimedia Center has satellite dish connection to international television programs as well as computers (PCs and Macs) for individual work, including access to the many German language resources on the Internet. It also houses an extensive video collection of German language videos. German classes at UMBC make extensive use of these materials. All German students at UMBC learn how to use the Internet in German.
Internships
The Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication can provide students with placements in local and international internship positions related to their study of the German language and the German culture. All German majors and minors are encouraged to include this experience in their course of study. Here is a partial list of internships in which UMBC students have practiced their German language skills while gaining experience in a field of work.

Government agencies and NGO's:
  • U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
  • Social Security Administration: Central Translation Service
  • People Aiding Travelers and the Homeless
  • U.S. Department of State

Business:

  • Visa International
  • World Trade Center
  • Social Service/English Tutoring:
  • FIRN: Foreign-born Information Referral Network

Translation:

  • Translingua
  • Diplomatic Language Services
Study Abroad
The UMBC German Area encourages study abroad, either at the University of Maryland program at Schwabisch-Gmund, at one of the many Goethe Institutes, or at one of the study abroad programs offered by other institutions. For information, contact the Office of International Education at 410-455-2624.
German Club
UMBC has a very active German Club which traditionally has sponsored fund-raisers, social events, lectures, and outings. All students are welcome.
Employment Opportunities
MLL graduates have successfully pursued careers in law, medicine, education, social services, government, communications, and international business.
Want to teach?
MLL works closely with the Education Department to offer an integrated course of studies to those who wish to obtain a teaching certificate. All teacher education programs at UMBC require the completion of an academic major. Students may major in German and complete teacher education programs in secondary education, in elementary education, or in early childhood education. Field experiences and practicums can be arranged in foreign language classrooms, in immersion schools, and in English-German dual-language programs. For further information on teacher certification in German, contact Dr. Ana María Schwartz, 410-455-2109.
For more information about German at UMBC, contact:
Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication
University of Maryland Baltimore County
1000 Hilltop Circle
ACIV-146
Baltimore, MD 21250
410 455 2109
www.umbc.edu/mll