Department
of Germanic and Slavic Languages and LiteraturesDepartment
of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures
Chairperson:
Christina Y. Bethin
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Robert K. Bloomer
Graduate Studies Director: Barbara Elling
Graduate Secretary: Patricia O'Brien
Frank Melville, Jr. Memorial Library N3009 (516) 632-7360
Definition of the discipline, objectives of the major, career and employment patterns
of students who graduate from the University with a major in the discipline.
German
M.A. Program - D.A.
Program
Definition: This discipline is part of a liberal
education, and concernsitself primarily with the language, literature, and culture
of theGerman-speaking countries. In a time of continuing political transformationin
Europe and increasing cooperation between these nations in trade andcommerce, technology
and science, the environment and the arts, a mastery of German and a deeper understanding
of its societies and cultures can open opportunities for personal development and
prepare students for diverse professional careers. It sets the study of German and
its literature in the context of its culture, including its political, historical,
and economic aspects.
Objectives: The major in German is flexibly designed to permit emphasis on language, literature, or area studies. In addition to the courses taught in German, the department offers courses in English on aspects of literature, culture, cinema, economics, and intellectual life in German-speaking countries. Students may combine study in the department with work in other departments that offer courses in politics, history, and economics.
Careers: Students graduating with a major in German have found careers and job opportunities in international transportation, tourism, foreign trade and banking, government, science and technology, as well as in teaching and library sciences. For majors in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences, knowledge of German is important in international science and in areas of employment within the expanding East-West trade. It is often desired for admission to graduate school and for advanced graduate study in many disciplines.
Definition of the discipline, objectives of the major, career and employment patterns
of students who graduate from the University with a major in the discipline.
Russian
M.A. Program - D.A.
Program
Definition: Russian language, literature, and
culture studies are part of a broad humanistic education. The works of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky,
Chekhov, and Bulgakov stand among the best in world literature. Russian cultural
studies is a multi-disciplinary approach to Russian civilization that combines cultural
theory and methodology with a broad historical survey of the evolution of Russian
culture. This discipline is predicated on the eventual mastery of the language and
it includes the study of history, linguistics, literature, drama, film, and theater.
Objectives: The Russian major is flexible and gives students the opportunityto select a particular area of emphasis. A student who successfully completes a major in Russian attains a broadly-based background in Russian culture; depending on which electives are chosen, the major also acquires a more specialized knowledge of language, literature, or cultural studies. The Department offers courses in Russian as well as in translation, and the Russian major may be combined with work in other disciplines.
Careers : Russian majors have found employment
in teaching, governmentservice, foreign trade and banking, communications, translating
and interpreting. The expansion of East-West trade and the new business ventures
in Russia seeking cooperation with Europe, Asia and Africa offer creative career
opportunities. Some Russian majors have continued graduate work in Russian or Slavic
Studies at Yale, Harvard, Northwestern, Berkeley, and American University. Others
have become certified as secondary school teachers. Science, social science and pre-med
majors have found the study of Russian to be particularly useful in their careers.
Requirements for the Major in German Language and Literature
The major in German language and literature leads to the Bachelor of Artsdegree.
The fol-lowing courses are required:
Completion of the major requirements entails 36 credits.
1.HUG 229 Germany Today (in English)
2.GER 203 Introduction to German Studies
3.GER 204 Survey of German Literature
4.GER 221, 222 German Conversation and Composition
5.GER 338 Structure of German
6.18 additional credits to be chosen from among: GER 301 or higher; HUG 221;
HIS 311 312; POL 307
7.Upper-division writing requirements: In order to demonstrate proficiency in writing in English, German majors must present a dossier consisting of a minimum of two papers of at least five pages each. This dossier must be submitted before the end of the second semester of the junior year to the director of undergraduate studies. The papers will be essays previously composed for upper-division courses in the department. Those originally in a foreign language must be rewritten in English. A faculty committee will judge the papers for clarity, accuracy, and appropriateness of style. If the dossier is judged to be unsatisfactory, the student will be asked to rewrite and resubmit the work in the senior year. Students must demonstrate acceptable writing skills before they graduate.
Notes:
All courses offered to fulfill major requirements must be taken for a letter grade. All upper division courses in German must be passed with a grade of C or higher. Transfer students must complete at least 18 credits toward the major at Stony Brook.
For students majoring in other disciplines, a German minor is available with three
choices of emphasis. In all three cases, all upper-division courses in German offered
to fulfill minor requirements must be passed with a grade of C or higher. At least
nine of the upper-division credits must be earned at Stony Brook. The minor requires
24 credits.
A.Emphasis on German Language and Literature
1.HUG 229 Germany Today (in English)
2.GER 203 Introduction to Germanic Studies
3.GER 204 Survey of German Literature
4.GER 221, 222German Conversation and Composition I, II
5.GER 338 Structure of German
6.Two additional German literature courses at the 300-level or above
B.Emphasis on German Language and Area Studies
1.HUG 229 Germany Today (in English)
2.GER 221, 222German Conversation and Composition I, II
3.GER 338 Structure of German
4.POL 307 Politics in Germany
5.HIS 311 The Rise of Imperial Germany, 1806-1890
6.HIS 312 From Empire to Third Reich: Germany, 1890-1945
7.One additional course in German studies with a GER or HUG designator
C.Emphasis on German for Business
1.HUG 229 Germany Today (in English)
2.GER 221, 222German Conversation and Composition
3.GER 321, 322Business German I, II
4.Two courses in business from among:
BUS 340 Management Information Systems
BUS 348 Principles of Marketing
BUS 440 International Management
6.ECO 325 International Economics
The major in Russian language and literature leads to the Bachelor of artsdegree. The following courses are required.Completion of the major requirements entails 33 credits.
1.HUR 249 Russia Today (in English)
2.HUR 141, 142 Introduction to Russian Literature I, II
3.RUS 221, 222Russian Conversation and Composition
4.RUS 339 Structure of Russian
5.Three credits chosen from: 200-level HUR/HUE courses, HIS 209 Imperial Russia, HIS 210 Soviet Russia
6.Twelve credits chosen from: 300-level RUS/HUR courses (RUS 321, RUS 322, RUS 323, RUS 391, RUS 392, HUR 393). HIS 338 or HIS 339 or one 300-level CSL course may be substituted for a RUS/HUR course, with the approval of the undergraduate advisor.
7.Upper-division writing requirement: In order to demonstrate proficiency in writing in English, Russian majors must present a dossier consisting of a minimum of two papers of at least five pages each. This dossier must be submitted before the end of the second semester of the junior year to the director of undergraduate studies. The papers will be essays previously composed for upper-division courses in the department. Those originally in a foreign language must be rewritten in English. A faculty committee will judge the papers for clarity, accuracy, and appropriateness of style. If the dossier is judged to be unsatisfactory, the student will be asked to rewrite and resubmit the work in the senior year. Students must demonstrate acceptable writing skills before they graduate.
Notes:
All courses must be taken for a letter grade. All upper-division courses
in Russian must be passed with a grade of C or higher.
The minor in Russian requires 18 credits in RUS/HUR courses above the intermediate
level, nine of which must be in upper division RUS/HUR courses. Students should consult
with the undergraduate director in planning a minor concentration.
To be eligible to participate in the honors program, junior or senior departmental
majors must have an overall average of 3.0 and an average of 3.5 in German or Russian.
An eligible student wishing to write an honors project must find a faculty member
of the department to act as project advisor. The student, with the approval of this
advisor, must submit a proposal of a project in writing to the department. The honors
project will usually be in the form of a thesis, but may include creative work or
other form of research activity. The deadline for submission of the proposal for
fall semester is the preceding April 30 and for spring semester it is the proceding
November 30. Final selection of candidates and topics will be determined by an honors
committee of the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures. Students
selected for the program must enroll in GER 447 or RUS 447 for the semester in which
the project is to be written. The project will be evaluated by the project advisor,
another member of the German or Russian faculty, and a third qualified reviewer from
outside the department. The student earning departmental honors must also maintain
a G.P.A. of 3.5 in all courses in his or her major program once the honors program
has been commenced. For further information, consult the director of undergraduate
studies.
Study Abroad
The department encourages both majors and minors to complete some of their coursework
abroad in the junior or senior year. SUNY maintains exchange programs with Germany
(Tübingen, Würzburg), Austria (Graz), Poland (Kraków, Poznan, Warsaw,
Wroclaw), and Russia (Moscow/ St. Petersburg).
Teaching Certification
Students who wish to prepare for certification as secondary school teachers of German
or Russian should consult appropriate departmental advisors. Those seeking certification
in German are urged to take GER 423 and 424 in addition to the courses required for
the major and certification. Students of Russian are urged to take RUS 439.
Placement in Language Courses for Incoming Students
The prerequisites for courses listed below indicate approximate placement levels.
One year of high school foreign language is generally considered the equivalent of
one college semester. Students are advised to consult the director of undergraduate
studies if they feel that the recommended course is inappropriate.
The letter tag on some course numbers indicates which D.E.C. category the course
satisfies. A course without a letter tag does not satisfy any D.E.C. category.
A brochure with extended descriptions of German and Slavic courses is published by
the department before registration each semester.
GER 101 Elementary German (Intensive) (6)
An intensive course covering the elementary German program (GER 111, 112) in one semester. No student who has had two or more years of German in high school (or who has otherwise acquired an equivalent proficiency) may receive credit for this course without written permission from the supervisor of the course. May not be taken for credit after GER 111 or any other course in German. Fall or spring
GER 111, 112 Elementary German I, II (4, 4)
An introduction to spoken and written German, stressing pronunciation, speaking,
comprehension, reading, writing, and culture. The course consists of four hours in
a small section conducted in German, and one laboratory hour. No student who has
had two or more years of German in high school (or who has otherwise acquired an
equivalent proficiency) may receive credit for GER 111 without written permission
from the supervisor of the course.
Prerequisite to GER 112: GER 111
Fall (111) and spring (112)
GER 191-I, 192-I Intermediate German I, II (3, 3)
The reading and interpretation of a wide variety of German texts, with a review
of German grammar, composition, and conversation. Work in the language laboratory
will further develop audio-lingual skills. Prerequisite to GER 191: GER 101 or 112
Prerequisite to GER 192: GER 191
Fall (191) and spring (192)
GER 203-G Introduction to Germanic Studies (3)
Using selected texts easily read and understood by students whose background in
German may be limited, this course is intended to introduce those students to terminology
and techniques of literary analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite: GER 192
Fall
GER 204-G Survey of German Literature (3)
A chronological survey of German literature from its beginnings to the present
with stress on defining the periods therein. All readings will be in German. Prerequisite:
GER 203
Spring
GER 221-I, 222-I German Conversation and Composition I, II (3)
This course consists of the active use of spoken and written German. Prerequisite:
GER 192.
Fall (221) and spring (222)
GER 301-G German Drama (3) A survey of German drama and its subgenres. All work will
be done in German. Prerequisite: GER 204
Fall
GER 302-G German Prose (3)
A survey of German prose and its subgenres. All work will be done in German. Prerequisite:
GER 204
Spring
GER 303-G German Poetry (3)
A survey of German poetry and its subgenres. All work will be done in German.
Prerequisite: GER 204
Fall
GER 304-G Goethezeit (3)
An intensive study of German literature in the period 1750-1832. All work will
be done in German. Prerequisite: GER 204
Spring
GER 321, 322 Business German I, II (3, 3)
A course designed to broaden previous knowledge of German by emphasizingbusiness
terminology and conversational skills. Students will practice expressing themselves
idiomatically and fluently in a style appropriate to the world of commerce. Materials
covered should prepare the student for the "Certificate Wirtschaftsdeutsch International".
Prerequisites: GER 221, 222
Fall (321) and spring (322)
GER 323, 324 Advanced German Conversation and Composition (3, 3)
A course designed to develop fluency in spoken and written German. Students will
practice ex pressing themselves idiomatically and fluently and become acquainted
with the subtleties of German grammar and style. Prerequisites: GER 221, 222
Fall (323) and spring (324)
GER 338 The Structure of German (3)
The development of the German language from Indo-European to modern High German.
Special emphasis will be placed on modern German phonology, graphemics, syntax, and
semantics. Conducted as a seminar. Prerequisite: GER 192
Fall or spring
GER 420 Special Topics in German Literature (3)
An intensive study of the works of a German author or a period of German literature.
All work will be done in German. May be repeated as the subject matter differs. Prerequisites:
GER 323, 324
Schedule to be announced
GER 447 Directed Readings in German (3)
Independently supervised readings in selected topics in German language and literature,
which may focus on a specific German language author or the literature of a specific
period of genre. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and department
Fall and spring
GER 488 Internship (3-12, S/U grading)
Participation in local, state, national, and international public and private
agencies and organizations to apply and reinforce language and related skills and
knowledge of social and cultural institutions. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading
only. Prerequisites: GER 221, 222; permission of instructor, department, andOffice
of Undergraduate Studies; specific placement examinations where applicable.
Fall and spring.
RUS 111, 112 Elementary Russian I, II (4, 4)
An introduction to Russian. Class work will be supplemented by practice in the
language laboratory. No student who has had two or more years of Russian in high
school (or who has otherwise acquired an equivalent proficiency) mayreceive credit
for RUS 111 without written permission from the supervisor of the course.
Prerequisite to RUS 112: RUS 111
Fall (111) and spring (112)
RUS 211-I, 212-I Intermediate Russian I, II (3, 3)
An intermediate course in Russian stressing an active command of the language.
Prerequisite to RUS 211: RUS 112 or equivalent
Prerequisite to RUS 212: RUS 211 or equivalent
Fall (211) and spring (212)
RUS 213-I Intermediate Russian for Students of Russian-Speaking Background (3)
A course intended for students who speak Russianand woh need training inwriting,
reading, and grammar. May not be taken for credit in addition to RUS 211 or 212.
Not intended for students who have the equivalent of a Russian high school education.
Prerequisite: Native speaking proficiency in Russian
Fall or Spring
RUS 311-I, 312-I Russian Conversation and Composition (3, 3)
A course in the active use of spoken and written Russian. Particular emphasis will be placed on contemporary idiom.
Prerequisite: RUS 213 or 211/212. Students of Russian-speaking background must
have permission of instructor
Fall (311) and Spring (312)
RUS 411, 412 Advanced Russian Conversation and Composition (3, 3)
A course designed to develop mastery of spoken and written Russian. Students will learn to ex press themselves idiomatically and to translate advanced texts.
Prerequisite: RUS 312 or equivalent proficiency in Russian Fall (411) and spring (412)
RUS 423-G Russian Literary Texts (3)
A survey of representative texts chosen from various periods of Russian literature.
Intended to improve the students' command of the literary language; readings and
discussions will be in Russian.Prerequisite: RUS 321 or equivalent fluency in Russian
Fall or spring.
RUS 439 Structure of Russian (3)
The study of Russian phonetics, phonology, and morphology, with a discussionof different
theoretical approaches as well as practical applications. Prerequisite: RUS 192 or
equivalent proficiency in Russian; permission of instructor
Spring
RUS 491-G Special Author (3)
A detailed study of the works of a major 19th- or 20th-century author, such as
Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenev, or Blok. Readings are in Russian, and classes are conducted
largely in Russian. May be repeated as the subject matter changes. Prerequisites:
HUR 141, 142; RUS 222 or equivalent proficiency in Russian
Fall or spring.
RUS 492-G Special Genre or Period (3)
A detailed study of a special genre such as the Russian novel or Russian drama, or
a period such as Soviet literature. Readings are in Russian, and classes are conducted
largely in Russian. May be repeated as the subject matter changes. Prerequisites:
HUR 141, 142; RUS 222 or equivalent proficiency in Russian
Fall or spring
RUS 447 Directed Readings in Russian (1-3)
A program of independent advanced study for qualified juniors and seniors under
the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisites: RUS 221, 222 or equivalent proficiency
in Russian; a 300- or 400-level course in Russian literature; permission of instructor
and department. May be repeated.
Fall and spring
PSH 111, 112 Elementary Polish I, II (3, 3)
An introduction to spoken and written Polish, stressing pronunciation, speaking,
comprehension, reading, writing, and culture. No student who has had two or more
years of Polish in high school (or who has otherwise acquired an equivalent proficiency)
may receive credit for PSH 111 without written permissions from the supervisor of
the course.
Fall (111) and spring (112)
PSH 447 Directed Readings in Polish (1-3)
Independently supervised readings in selected topics in Polish language and literature,
which may focus on specialized study in language, culture, or area. May be repeated.
Prerequisites: Reading fluency in Polish; permission of department
Fall and spring.
EEL 111, 112 Elementary Selected East European Language I, II (3, 3)
An introduction to spoken and written selected East European Languages (Serbo-Croatian,
Czech, Ukrainian, Slovak, Bulgarian) stressing pronunciation, speaking, comprehension,
reading, writing, and culture. No student who has had two or more years of the selected
language in high school (or who has otherwise acquired an equivalent proficiency)
may receive credit for EEL 111 without written permission from the supervisor of
the course. May be repeated for more than one language. Prerequisite to EEL 112:
EEL 111
Schedule to be announced
HUE (European Literature and Culture Courses in English)
HUE 269-I Topics in Contemporary Slavic Culture (in English) (3)
Analysis and discussion of contemporary literary and social topics dealing with
Russia or Eastern Europe. May be repeated, but counts toward fulfillment of Russian
major requirements only once.
Fall or spring
(HUG) German Literature and Culture Courses in English
HUG 221-D German Cinema since 1945 (in English) (3)
The Theory and history of German film as art form from filmmakers such as Alexander
Kluge, Bernhard Wicki, and the "new filmmakers" Rainer Werner Faßbinder,
Volker Schlöndorff, Margarete von Trotta, Werner Herzog, and Wim Wenders. Topics
include silent film; New German Cinema 1962-85; national cinema and national identity;
film as literature and from literary models; problems of authors and their audiences;
women's film, film in the former German Democratic Republic; and the influence of
American filmmakers, subject matter, and settings. May not be used to satisfy the
foreign language proficiency requirement.
Fall or spring
HUG 229-I Germany Today (in English) (3)
A survey of contemporary Germany and its political, social, and economic structure,
as well as the study of cultural life and institutions with comparisons to American
models and standards.
Fall
HUG 321-B German Literature in Translation (3)
A course given in English on a major German author or literary movement, designed
primarily to give students in other disciplines an opportunity to become acquainted
with the German tradition. German majors are admitted by special permission of their
advisors, and do the reading and term papers in German. Prerequisites: Two literature
courses.
Fall or spring
HUR 141-B, 142-B Introduction to Russian Literature (in English) I, II (3,3)
A major survey of major Russian writers of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Puhskin, Dostoevsky, and Solzhenitsyn. The course offers a brief history of Russian literary masterpieces in the context of world literature and of major cultural movements such as the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and 20th-century totalitarianism. Fall or spring
HUR 145-D Russian Film and Culture (in English) (3)
Advanced study of Russian films from the 1920s to the present viewed in terms
of their interaction with Russian culture.
Fall or spring
HUR 235-G Crime and Punishment and World Literature (3)
An exploration of crime and its punishment focusing Dostoevsky's response to intellectual
history and to literary depictions of criminals, villians, detectives, acts of violence,
and prevelant moral codes.
Prerequisite: Fulfillment of D.E.C. category B.
HUR 241-I Special Russian Author in Translation (3)
Analysis of major works and significant criticism. Each semester is devoted to
one particular author such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, or Bulgakov. May be repeated,
but will count toward fulfillment of Russian major
requirements only once.
Schedule to be announced.
HUR 242-I Special Genre or Period of Russian Literature in Translation (3)
Examination of a genre or period. Each semester is devoted to one particular genre such as the Russian novel, or period such as the 20th century. May be repeated, but will count toward fulfillment of Russian major requirements only once. Schedule to be announced.
HUR 249-I Russia Today (in English) (3)
Contemporary cultural trends viewed in terms of the social and political context.
Recent responses to historical change such as the breakup of the Soviet Union, the
new economic order, and the search for Russian identity are explored in literature,
the arts, and media.
Fall
HUR 341-G Forbidden Texts (3)
Censorship and Russian Literature.
Spring, 1997.
HUR 393-G Literary Analysis of Russian Texts in Translation (3)
Selected topics in literary focusing on Russian texts read in translation. Topics
will include such issues as literature and philosophy, cross-cultural relations,
and interdisciplinary approaches to literature. Prerequisites: Two courses in the
humanities, one of which must be a literature course.
Fall or spring
GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN GERMAN AND SLAVIC(M.A./D.A.)
Degrees awarded: M.A. in Germanic Languages and Literature; M.A. in Slavic Languages
and Literature; D.A. in Foreign Language (German); D.A. in Foreign Language Instruction
(Russian)
The Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures, within the College
of Arts and Sciences, offers a variety of programs in Germanic languages and literatures
and Slavic languages and literatures. In addition to comprehensive graduate training
in the academic field, these programs are unique in that they offer courses in teaching
methodology and extensive supervised teaching experience in courses such as film,
business German, and Russian poetry. The department is committed to providing the
best possible graduate education: one of its members has been named Distinguished
Teaching Professor and four have received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in
Teaching. The availability of numerous cultural institutions such as the Goethe House,
the Kosciuszko Foundation, the New York Public Library, the Harriman Institute of
Columbia University, and others enhances graduate study in the department.
The programs have been designed with today's career opportunities in mind. They emphasize the study of language, literature, and culture, and typically require the study of one other Germanic or Slavic language beyond either German or Russian. There are opportunities for students to take courses in the departments of Comparative Studies, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, Theatre Arts, and other languages. The department strongly supports exchange programs with Germany, Poland, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Students are encouraged to participate in semester- or year-long study abroad programs as part of their graduate training.
More detailed program information is available from the department office.
Part-time study is permitted; some courses are offered during the late afternoon or evening. Our advisors work closely with students in designing a program to meet individual needs.
M.A. Program in German Language and Literature
The M.A. curriculum is designed to prepare the student to teach on the secondary
school level as well as to prepare him or her for further graduate study leading
to the D.A. or Ph.D. degree. While the major emphasis is on the modern period (including
the former German Democratic Republic, women's literature, and film), the program
also contains significant offerings in the fields of medieval literature and philology,
pedagogy, and culture studies. Most courses are conducted in German. Experienced
teaching assistants are encouraged to design and teach advanced courses on the undergraduate
level. Students may elect to submit a master's thesis (Option 1) or to take additional
coursework (Option 2) to complete the degree.
M.A. Program in Slavic Languages and Literatures
The program leading to the Master of Arts degree in Slavic Languages and Literatures
prepares students for advanced research leading to the D.A. or Ph.D. degree as well
as for teaching on the secondary and junior college levels. While the major emphasis
is on Russian language and literature, students also have the opportunity to concentrate
on one other Slavic area. This unique comparative approach offers a wider choice
of career opportunities for graduates in academic and other fields. Outstanding graduate
students are encouraged to teach advanced courses at the undergraduate level.
M.A.T. in German 7-12, M.A.T. in Russian 7-12
Please contact the School of Professional Development for further information.
Admission to the M.A. Program in Germanic Languages and Literatures
In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:
A. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
B. An average of at least B in undergraduate German courses.
C. Proficiency in German language.
D. Letters of recommendation from three previous instructors.
E. Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
F. Acceptance by both the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures and the Graduate School.
Provisional admission may be given to some students not meeting all of the above requirements.
If the applicant's preparation seems to indicate deficiencies in the German language,
a language examination may be required during the first semester of study. If judged
insufficiently prepared, the student may be required to enroll in GER 321 and perhaps
GER 322 in addition to the other requirements listed in this bulletin.
Admission to the M.A. Program in Slavic Languages and Literatures
In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:
A. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
B. An average of at least B in undergraduate Russian courses.
C. Letters of recommendation from three previous instructors.
D. Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
E. Demonstrated proficiency in Russian.
F. Acceptance by both the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages andLiteratures
and the Graduate School.
Provisional admission may be given to some students not meeting all of theabove requirements.
Students judged to be deficient in language proficiency will be required to enroll
in RUS 321 and RUS 322 or in an approved summer intensive Russian program.
Admission to the Doctor of Arts Program in Foreign Language Instruction:
German Major or Russian Major
In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School, the department requires:
A. An M.A. degree or its equivalent in coursework and credits.
B. Letters of recommendation from three previous instructors.
C. Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
D. Demonstrated proficiency in German or Russian.
E. Acceptance by both the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures and the Graduate School.
Provisional admission may be given to some students not meeting all of the above
requirements.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for the M.A. Degree in Germanic Languages and Literatures
Option I:
A. Course Requirements
One 19-century German literature course
One 20th-century German literature course
GER 545 or GER 546
GER 557 History of the German Language or
GER 539 Contrastive Structures
GER 599 Thesis
2. Four additional offerings at the graduate level from courses within the department
or, upon prior approval by the department, from those of other departments within
the Graduate School
B. Performance
Average of B or higher for required courses.
C. M.A. Thesis
Submission of a scholarly essay on a topic and of a standard acceptable tothe department
is required.
Option II
A. Course Requirements
No thesis required--all 30 credits can be fulfilled by coursework as follows:
1. GER 504 German Cultural History
GER 539 Contrastive Structures or GER 557 History of the German Language
One course in older Germanic languages, e.g., GER 558, GER 562, or GER 563
One course in 20th-century German literature, e.g., GER 545 or GER 546
2. Six additional offerings at the graduate level from courses within the department
or, upon prior approval by the department, from those of other departments within
the Graduate School
B. Performance
Average of B or better for all courses listed under item A is required.
Requirements for the M.A. Degree in Slavic Languages and Literatures
A. Course Requirements
SLV 571 Comparative Slavic Linguistics
RUS 506 Stylistics of Russian
SLV 504 Topics in Slavic Cultures
RUS 538 Russian Phonology and Morphology
SLV 580, SLV 581 Special Topic in Slavic Language I, II
One course in 19th-century Russian literature
One course in 20th-century Russian literature
Two electives at the graduate level with approval of the department
B. Language Proficiency in Russian
A written and oral proficiency examination will be administered during the first
week of classes in the fall and spring semesters. All students are required to take
this examination to determine proficiency or placement. The Russian language proficiency
requirement may be satisfied by one of the following:
1. Passing the examination
2. Appropriate coursework in Russian (RUS 321, RUS 322, or equivalent)
3. One semester of study abroad in the Commonwealth of Independent States (C.I.S.) in an approved program, such as the SUNY-Albany/MGU Exchange
C. Second Slavic Language Requirement
This requirement may be satisfied by one of the following:
1. A proficiency examination
2. Appropriate coursework in the language (SLV 580, SLV 581, or equivalent)
3. One semester of study abroad in an approved program in Eastern Europe or the C.I.S.
With the approval of the department, a non-Slavic language of Eastern Europe or the
C.I.S. may be substituted for the second Slavic language.
D. Thesis or Comprehensive Examination
A master's thesis of comprehensive examination based on a reading list and coursework
is required. Students in the M.A. program in Germanic Languages and Literatures and
in the M.A. program in Slavic Languages and Literatures are subject to Graduate School
regulations and policies with respect to transfer credit, extension of time limitation,
grade point average, supervised teaching experience, registration, and other requirements.
D.A. Program in Foreign Language Instruction: German Major or Russian Major
The program leading to the Doctor of Arts degree is designed to train professionals
in the field of foreign language teaching on the secondary, junior college, or college
level. It is also appropriate for providing a basis in language training for specialists
in education and in bilingual media and communications, and for marketing consultants
whose expertise in a foreign language will aid business or advertising. The program
is flexible, competency based, and where possible, tailored to individual needs.
The program of study consists of work in the major field at the same level as that of Ph.D. programs, work in areas of professional preparation, demonstration of successful teaching, comprehensive examinations, and a doctoral dissertation. Students may elect to specialize in either German or Russian. The program is open to full-time and part-time students who have the M.A. or its equivalent.
Requirements for the D.A. Degree in Foreign Language
A minimum of 36 credits is required, to be distributed as follows:
A. Major Field Courses:
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German Major (24 credits) Phonetics/Phonology of German Morphology/Syntax of German History of the German Language German Stylistics or Literary Translation German Culture and Civilization Three courses in German literature to be selected from courses within the department |
Russian Major (24 credits) Phonetics/Phonology of Russian Morphology/Syntax of Russian History of the Russian Literary Language Russian Stylistics or Literary Translation Russian or Slavic Culture Three courses in Russian literature to be selected from courses within the department |
B. Professional Courses (12 credits)
Additional courses may be required to meet individual needs upon consultation with
the major advisor and the program director.
Candidates may also choose to take a series of courses in Language Center Directorship
which emphasize instructional technology and foreign language education.
Degree candidates who are full-time teachers will, where possible, do their externship
at an institution other than where they normally teach, e.g., high school teachers
will be encouraged to teach an evening college course.
Those teaching at a two-year or four-year college will be encouraged to teach at
the secondary school level. When these arrangements are not possible, other provisions
will be made in consultation with the D.A. committee.
C. Language ProficiencyUpon completion of 24 credits, all candidates will be
expected to demonstrate proficiency in the major language.
Proficiency in the major language may be demonstrated:
1. By written recommendation of professors of the pertinent courses taken; or
2. Upon recommendation of the supervisor of the practicum, internship or externship; or
3. By formal examination when the major advisor and D.A. committee deem itnecessary.
Unsuccessful candidates may request a second testing during the subsequent semester.
D. Practical Experience
All candidates are required to fulfill the following teaching assignments during the program:
1. Practicum: The student is given charge of a three-hour section in a beginning or intermediate course in the area of language instruction. The practicum is to be assigned after the student has successfully completed a course in language objectives, grading, and testing.
2. Internship: The student is apprenticed to a professor in charge of an appropriate literature, linguistics, and/or culture course for at least one semester. The internship may nor precede the practicum.
3. Externship: The student will be required to teach at the undergraduate or secondary level in the local area, when feasible.
E. Final Evaluation
The final evaluation will be based directly on the specific program of studythat the candidate has completed. In addition to demonstrating mastery of the individual curriculum requirements, the candidate is expected to evidence a certain synthesis of knowledge based on the component parts of the program. This final examination will be scheduled twice yearly, in November and April.
1. The final evaluation is to include both a written and an oral comprehensive examination
and will include topics from all areas covered in the program. The comprehensive
examination will be administered only after the candidate has demonstrated competence
in the major area and in language instruction and methodology. All candidates will
be provided with a basic reading list. However, it will be the responsibility of
the candidate to prepare, with their major advisors, the optional part of the reading
list to cover their individual specialties.
2. Dissertation: After the comprehensive exam the candidates, in consultation with their dissertation director, must submit a dissertation proposal, which will be reviewed by the D.A. committee. After the proposal is approved, a dissertation director and two readers will be appointed, in consultation with the graduate studies director. Nine optional thesis credits are available for those who desire them.
Transfer Credit
The doctor of arts committee may accept six post-M.A. transfer credits earned within
the past five years from non-SUNY institutions. Nine credits may be accepted from
all SUNY institutions.
Normally, a maximum of six credits of SPD courses or SPD crosslisted courses may
be transferred. Under special circumstances and with approval of the department and
the graduate studies director, additional SPD crosslisted credits may be counted
towards the D.A. requirements.
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