The master's degree program in German studies is an integrated program that introduces students to a range of approaches including cultural studies, literary studies, global studies, film studies, language studies and teaching German as a foreign language. The master’s program is an ideal foundation for advanced graduate studies. The degree is also well suited for those teaching in the K-12 system as part of their continuing education. Outreach and co-curricular aspects of the program may also open opportunities for positions in academic or professional contexts.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Admission
To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree program in German studies, an applicant must:
- Submit a 500-word personal statement that addresses the applicant's goals for pursuing a Master of Arts degree in German Studies at MSU.
- Submit a portfolio of representative work in German.
To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have:
- Completed at least 27 credits in approved second-, third-, and fourth-year courses in German language, literature, and culture at the college level.
- Achieved a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of the undergraduate program.
Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in German Studies
The program is available under both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis). A total of 31 credits is required for the degree under Plan A, and a total of 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan B. The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor. The student must meet the requirements specified below:
Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B
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| 1. |
Complete both of the following courses (6 credits): |
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GRM |
820 |
German Literature and Culture: Theory and Practice |
3 |
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LLT |
807 |
Language Teaching Methods |
3 |
| 2. |
Complete one of the following courses: |
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GRM |
461 |
Applied Linguistics for German Learners and Teachers |
3 |
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GRM |
815 |
The Scholarship and Practice of Teaching German Culture |
3 |
| 3. |
Complete 18 credits from the following as approved by the student's advisor: |
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a. |
A minimum of 9 credits from the following: |
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(1) |
A minimum of 3 credits from the following language courses: |
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GRM |
460 |
Linguistic Analysis of Modern German |
3 |
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GRM |
805 |
The German Language: Relationships, Developments, and Varieties |
3 |
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GRM |
891 |
Special Topics in German Studies |
3 |
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GRM |
892 |
Seminar |
3 |
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GRM |
893 |
Interdisciplinary Seminar |
3 |
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(2) |
A minimum of 3 credits from the following literature or cultural studies courses: |
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GRM |
435 |
18th and 19th Century German Literary Studies (W) |
3 |
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GRM |
445 |
20th Century and Contemporary German Literary Studies (W) |
3 |
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GRM |
455 |
Major Themes in German Cultural History (W) |
3 |
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GRM |
862 |
German Studies: Constructions of Identity |
3 |
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GRM |
863 |
German Studies: Constructions of Community |
3 |
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GRM |
864 |
German Studies: Cultural Norms and Values |
3 |
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GRM |
865 |
German Studies: Culture in Context |
3 |
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GRM |
891 |
Special Topics in German Studies |
3 |
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GRM |
892 |
Seminar |
3 |
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GRM |
893 |
Interdisciplinary Seminar |
3 |
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b. |
A maximum of 9 credits from areas relevant to the student’s program as approved by the advisor. Students should consult with the advisor for a list of approved areas which will meet this requirement. |
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Complete readings contained in a personalized master's reading list. |
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Additional Requirements for Plan A
- Complete 4 credits of GRM 899 Master's Thesis Research.
- Pass a final oral examination that covers the student's program of study, thesis, and reading list.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
Complete one of the following:
- Complete 3 additional credits in courses at the graduate level, and pass final written and oral examinations that cover the student’s program of study and reading list.
- Complete 3 credits of German 898 Master’s Research Project, and pass a final oral examination that covers the student’s program of study, master’s research project, and reading list.