Collection Development Policy Statement: German Studies

NOTE: These conspectus levels are based on previous bibliographers' work but also reflect current collections and emphases as of 2015.

Austria

Germany

Switzerland

APPENDIX 1: The German Studies Program

[NOTE: Helga Rom, a student in the program, wrote this description in the mid-2000s.] The German Studies program at Michigan State University is an integrated program that maintains a commitment to textual criticism and linguistic analysis, while drawing on insights from other disciplines within the humanities and the social sciences. Language, literature, and other cultural expressions are practices that are explored in their social and historical contexts. Culture is studied as a dynamic process, through which people negotiate social and cultural values, either affirming or contesting prevailing norms. Many of the courses offered by the German Department address issues of cultural identity (e.g., nationality, class, race, and gender) in either contemporary or historical settings. The undergraduate curriculum in German focuses on language, literature and culture. The formal instruction lets students explore a variety of humanistic topics, such as how political change is reflected in literature, the role of minority voices in German culture, and the individual's search for self-realization. The program emphasizes both language communication skills and an overview of the contemporary German scene. The graduate program has a special focus on integrated approaches to the study of language and culture. It includes training in language pedagogy, technology-based instruction, and the opportunity to work on advanced language skills.