MA Program

The program leading to the MA degree is designed for a length of two years. The curriculum is focused on the study of German language literature and culture since the Enlightenment. It offers students both the breadth necessary for an understanding of complex and enduring works of literature and thought, and also the depth necessary to complete an MA thesis (or, optionally, two shorter MA papers) that represents an original research contribution to the field of German.

Curriculum

A series of required core courses that are grouped according to common themes give the program a topical and critical coherence. Among these core courses, some address a specific genre, while others focus on important aspects of German philosophical discourse, on the theory and practice of translation and intermedial transfer, and the common research methodologies and literary-theoretical discourses relevant for critical analysis in the field.

These core courses are paired with optional seminars of related or complementary content, and students are encouraged to explore connections between courses. MA students also may enroll in up to two courses outside of our department to pursue interdisciplinary connections relating to their research interests.

NEW CORE COURSE PROGRAM (BEGINNING IN 2020):

I. "PARADIGMS OF INTERPRETATION" SEQUENCE:

GER 690 -- FORM AND STRUCTURE
GER 691 -- GENDER, RACE, CLASS, NATION
GER 692 -- SUBJECT, CONSCIOUSNESS, MIND

II. "MEDIATIONS" SEQUENCE:

GER 693 -- PHOTOGRAPHY, FILM, VIDEO, ELECTRONIC MEDIA
GER 694 -- ENVIRONMENT AND TEXT
GER 695 -- TRANSLATIONS/TRANSFORMATIONS

Mentoring

Throughout the program our students are mentored closely, and are given all the support needed to help them develop their intellectual interests and to successfully complete the program in two years. This includes faculty guidance for students writing portfolio papers (which are revised and expanded term papers to hone academic writing skills), presenting their work in workshops and at conferences, and planning for a time beyond the degree.

Teaching

Most of our MA students work as Graduate Employees (GEs), teaching one section of first-year or second-year German per term while pursuing their own course of study. We offer plentiful mentoring and support for these teaching responsibilities as well. The financial compensation of the GEship, along with a tuition waiver and health insurance available at minimal cost, enables students to support themselves while working towards the MA degree. They also gain valuable teaching experience that will be an asset in any future career, particularly in the field of education. For details see Funding for Graduate Students, click here.

Future Prospects

Many of our recent MA recipients have gone on to graduate study either here at the University of Oregon or elsewhere, including institutions such as Northwestern University, Indiana University, the University of Washington, and the University of Oslo. Others have proceeded to teach English as a foreign language in German-speaking countries, to teach German language at the secondary-school or college level, or put their linguistic and cultural knowledge to work in other fields. See our PhD placements and graduate alumni testimonials from previous students, click here.

Application for the MA program

Those interested in entering the MA program should either hold a BA or anticipate its completion prior to the beginning of the Fall term for which they are submitting an application. We admit new students only for the Fall term each year. A German major as part of undergraduate study is desirable but not required. We do require sufficient knowledge of the German language (C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages [CEFR]) and a solid academic basis for the advanced study of literature and culture.

The priority deadline for applications is January 15. After that date, applications will be considered depending on the availability of any remaining openings. Applications are submitted via the electronic GradWeb system. For details on how to apply, click here.