You can view the full text of the online.German Degree Requirements (PDF)
Course Requirements - Core and Electives
The Office of Graduate Studies requires that every full time student register for 12 units each quarter. This requirement can be met by a combination of courses included on student’s program of study (please see the list below), GER 396 (Teaching Assistant Training Practicum) for TAs and 299s.
The core M.A. program encompasses three major areas: German Cultural and Intellectual History, German Literary History, and Language Pedagogy. Students work closely with the Graduate Advisor to develop their programs of study to ensure that all four major areas are well covered. The following list of courses is intended as a guide to assist students in developing their programs of study.
The core M.A. program encompasses three major areas:
- German Cultural and Intellectual History
- German Literary History
- Language Pedagogy
Students work closely with the Graduate Advisor to develop their programs of study to ensure that all four major areas are well covered. The following list of courses is intended as a guide to assist students in developing their programs of study.
Core Courses
- GER 101: A & B: Survey of German Literature (can be waived with approval of Graduate Adviser)
- GER 210, GER 211, GER 212, GER 239 or equivalent course in the Critical Theory program, with approval of the Graduate Chair or Adviser.
- GER 291: Foreign Language Learning
- In addition, students choose two more seminars in German Literature from GER 202 to GER 297.
* There are no special requirements for the M.A.
Committees
Admission Committee (Graduate Matters Committee):
The Department’s Graduate Matters Committee consists of all Graduate Group faculty. Once the completed application, all supporting material, and the application fee have been received, the Department's Graduate Matters Committee reads and evaluates all application to the M.A. program. This committee then makes recommendations of admission, deferral, or denial of admission to Graduate Studies, which officially acts on the applications.
Thesis Committee:
For students who choose Plan I (thesis), the thesis is guided by a major professor, chosen by the student in consultation with the Graduate Adviser, and then read and evaluated by a Thesis Committee, made up of the major professor and two members of the faculty from the German program. These two secondary readers are chosen by the student in consultation with the major professor. Students, in consulationa with the major professorand graduate adviser, nominate two faculty to serve on the Thesis committee. These nominations are submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies for formal appointment in accordance with Graduate Council policy. The major professor serves as Chair of the committee.
Advising Structure and Mentoring
Students will work closely with the Graduate Advisor to develop their programs of study to ensure that all three major areas are well covered. University Mentoring Guidelines are available here.
Master's degree (M.A.), Plan I (Thesis) or Plan II (Comprehensive Examination)
The MA degree is awarded under Plan I (thesis option) as well as Plan II (comprehensive examination option). The requirements for these two options are as follows:
Plan I requires completion of 30 units of work at the upper division and graduate levels and submission of a substantial thesis (60 – 80 pp). At least 12 of the 30 units required must be graduate work in the major subject. There is no comprehensive exam. Plan I Checklist is available here.
Plan II requires completion of 36 units of upper division and graduate courses and satisfactory performance on a comprehensive final examination. At least 18 of the 36 units required must be graduate courses in the major subject. No more than 9 units of research (299 courses or equivalent) may be used in satisfying the 18-unit graduate course requirement. Plan II Checklist is available here.
Students select at time of application the option to which they would like to be admitted.
Advancement to Candidacy
MA students must complete the Candidacy application prior to the quarter in which they will file a thesis or take the comprehensive exam. For Plan I (thesis option), students will list their three committee members for Office of Graduate Studies approval. For Plan II (exam option), students do not need to provide names of the exam committee members.
Typical time line and sequence of events for the Master’s Degree
- 1st Quarter: Meet with adviser to plan course of study
- 2nd -4th Quarters: Take required coursework
- 5th Quarter: Submit Master’s Candidacy form to Office of Graduate Studies
Plan I – Submit draft of thesis for committee review
Plan II – Meet with adviser to select exam committee members; prepare for exam - 6th Quarter: Plan I – Complete final draft of thesis; obtain committee signatures on thesis title page; schedule appointment at Office of Graduate Studies; submit thesis
Plan II – Take Comprehensive Exam
The Department recommends taking GER101a and GER101b for those students who do not have a major, or adequate preparation, in German literature.
Questions?
For questions about the admissions process, please visit the admissions portion of our website. For questions about degree requirements, please contact Rob Hether at (530) 754-8750 or robhether@ucdavis.edu.