German Advising Contact Information With Office Hours From Tuesday, September 2 - Wednesday, September 10

You can reach the German advisors through a general email: germanadvising@umich.edu

We have two advisors for German undergraduates:

* Mary Rodena-Krasan (MLB 3128; mkrasan@umich.edu)

Her office hours this week are:

Tuesday, September 2: 10-1 p.m.,

Thursday, September 4: 10-1 p.m.,

Friday, September 5: 10-3 p.m.,

Tuesday, September 9: 10-1 p.m.,

and by appointment

Mary's Link for Office Hours: https://umich.zoom.us/j/92765512004

* Karl-Georg Federhofer (MLB 3422; kallimz@umich.edu)

My office hours this week are:

Tuesday, September 2: 1-5 p.m.,

Wednesday, September 3: 12-3 p.m.,

Thursday, September 4: 9:30-12, 1-5 p.m.,

Friday, September 5: 9:30-12:30, 1-5 p.m.,

Monday, September 8: 12-3 p.m.,

Tuesday, September 9: 1-5 p.m.,

Wednesday, September 10: 12-3 p.m.,

and by appointment

My Zoom Link for Office Hours: https://umich.zoom.us/j/909147087

It is best to schedule appointments, which you have to do by 4 p.m. on the previous day. You can schedule appointments with us here: https://myadvising.lsa.umich.edu/appointments/offices/GERM

If you would like to get in contact with a peer mentor in our Department, please write to: germanmentors@umich.edu.

Films - 'Riefenstahl' (Director: Andres Veiel, 2025): Monday, September 8, 7 p.m., Michigan Theater

With director Andres Veiel in attendance for a post-film discussion.

Filmmaker and Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl is considered one of the most controversial women of the 20th century. Her films Triumph of the Will and Olympia are defined by their fascist aesthetics, perfectly-staged body worship, and the celebration of all that is "superior" and victorious, simultaneously projecting contempt for the imperfect and weak. But Riefenstahl – who first broke into the German film industry as an actress – spent decades after the war denying her association with Nazi ideology, and claiming ignorance of the Holocaust. How did she become the Reich's preeminent filmmaker if she was just a hired hand? Riefenstahl examines this question using never-before-seen documents from Leni Riefenstahl's estate, including private films, photos, recordings and letters, uncovering fragments of her biography and placing them in an extended historical context. During her long life after the fall of Nazism, she remained unapologetic, managing to control and shape her legacy; in personal documents, she mourns her "murdered ideals." Meanwhile, her work would experience a renaissance, gaining esteem for its masterful technical skill. Today, Riefenstahl's aesthetics are more present than ever. Is that also true for their message? In an era where fascism is on the rise again, fake news is prevalent, and the meaning of political imagery is constantly dissected and debated, Andres Veiel's mesmerizing new film shows that Leni Reifenstahl is more relevant than ever.

Presented with the University of Michigan Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures and the Department of Film, Television, and Media.

Programmer’s note: The Michigan Theater is showcasing this documentary as part of an honest discussion with scholars of the University of Michigan regarding the complicity of cinema to fascism and antisemitism in the 20th century. Care has been taken to place this material in the proper context, and it should be known that we condemn all forms of Fascism and Antisemitism present in today’s world.

Website: https://marquee-arts.org/event-page/?showingId=956127&eventId=956125

Study-Abroad Programs in Germany and Middlebury German Language School - Information Session: Thursday, September 11, 6 p.m., MLB Lecture Room 2

During this information session, you will learn about the different study-abroad programs

* Academic Year in Freiburg
* Winter Term in Tübingen
* Language Courses at a Goethe Institut in Germany
* Middlebury College Summer Language School

Feel free to come with your questions. Mary Rodena-Krasan and I will answer your specific individual questions.

We will have program-specific information sessions later this term.

Solidarity 101 for Youth: Exploring Collective Action Across Transatlantic Borders: Sunday, September 14, 6-7:30 p.m., Remote

Speaker: Dr. William Layher, high-school German teacher in the Ladue school district in St. Louis, MO

Target Audience: High school and college students

Event Description:

What does solidarity really mean, and why does it matter today? In this interactive workshop designed for high school and college students, we’ll break down the big ideas behind the Goethe-Institut USA’s 2025 essay competition: “Solidarity and Civic Engagement in Transatlantic Perspective.”

 

Together, we’ll explore how solidarity shows up in real life: through political movements, online communities, art, and everyday acts of support. You’ll have the chance to share your own perspectives, reflect on examples from history and current events, and begin brainstorming ideas for your essay.

 

The session will give you practical tools to develop a powerful and personal essay. No prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and a willingness to think together about what solidarity can mean in our world.

Register now to save your spot!

Website: https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/ver.cfm?event_id=26742155

Study Abroad in Germany - Winter 2026 in Tübingen: Monday, September 15 (Application Deadline)

The Tübingen program, which is organized through the Center for Global and Intercultural Studies (CGIS), takes place in the Winter term, and it is intended for students who have completed at least German 221/231 by the end of the Fall 2025 term. The German Department strongly recommends that you precede your stay in Tübingen by attending one or two four-week sessions at the Goethe Institut.

This Goethe Institut segment is not part of the CGIS program itself. Please talk with Mary or me about the Goethe segment (see Mary's and my contact information at the bottom of this email).

The CGIS portion in Tübingen will start early in March with a mandatory 'Kompaktkurs' (6 credits) or a 'Startkurs' (3 credits). While you will be enrolled for the Winter 2026 term at the University of Michigan, you will then take classes during the 'Sommersemester' at the Universität Tübingen (mid April - late July). You will earn 15-18 credits for Winter 2026: the courses that you take in Tübingen can be language courses for international students or regular university courses.

Various university courses outside the English Department are taught in English. Tübingen credits can be used to satisfy degree requirements for a German major or minor. For more information about the Tübingen program and to apply, use this link.

Study Abroad in Germany - Social Sciences and Humanities in Berlin (Winter 2026): Monday, September 15 (Application Deadline)

This program is designed for students without a German language background who are looking for an in-depth look at the culture and context of the metropolis of Berlin. German majors should consider the University of Michigan programs in Freiburg and Tübingen.

Previously known as Metropolitan & Urban Studies, this English-taught program uses Berlin as a case study to examine issues relevant to major cities today. Through comparative and interdisciplinary courses, you will study topics such as cultural identity, popular culture, and urban development to better understand the modern city and its culture.

Berlin will be your classroom. Imagine touring Berlin's neighborhoods and exploring the city's architecture as you learn about urban development and sustainable mobility, or attending and then discussing a local theatre performance as part of your pop culture class. Wherever possible, the courses take advantage of the city's many historical, artistic, and cultural sites.

Eligibility:
* Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing
* Good academic standing
* Minimum 2.75 overall GPA
* No previous German language study is required

Academics:
Students must take 13-16 credit hours per semester. One German language course (4 credits) is required for beginning and intermediate students. All other courses are taught in English and worth 3 credits unless otherwise stated. Two week-long field trips will be included in the program, as well as day excursions that complement your learning in the classroom and contribute to a general knowledge of German culture and society.

Please see program website (IES) for details.

For more information about the Social Sciences and Humanities in Berlin program and the application material, go to: https://mcompass.umich.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11723

Job Posting - Freelance Newsletter/Web Editor for German Film Office in New York: Monday, September 15 (Application Deadline)

The German Film Office (GFO) is seeking a qualified candidate to join its team starting October 1, 2025, in a freelance capacity.

The GFO is an initiative of the Goethe-Institut and German Films. Based in New York, it collaborates with local partners to bring the best of contemporary and repertory films from Germany to U.S. audiences.

Requirements:
* College education (BA);
* Professional experience with Mailchimp and Eventbrite;
* Excellent editorial skills;
* Solid photo editing skills;
* Knowledge of international film/familiarity with German cinema;
* Experience working with arts/film organizations;
* Native or near-native fluency in English;
* German language skills welcome but not required

Job Description:
* Research and compile information and images for monthly newsletter, including film events presented by the GFO and the Goethe-Institutes in the U.S. and Canada, partner events across the region, and relevant film news;
* Create monthly newsletter following the GFO’s Mailchimp template;
* Prepare web pages and create Eventbrite events for film events presented by the GFO in New York;
* Participate in and contribute to editorial meetings

The ideal candidate is someone who:
* Will manage our monthly newsletter and Eventbrite events with minimal supervision, and will develop a language and style that engages our subscribers;
* Has demonstrated writing skills and pays close attention to detail;
* Is a reliable, independent, proactive worker who follows our monthly schedule and is finely attuned to each platform’s requirements and opportunities;
* Is both a creative thinker and able to translate ideas into action while meeting deadlines

The salary of this position is $35-40/hour depending on experience. During the busiest periods, the newsletter/web editor works an average of 10 hours/month on a flexible schedule. Special projects may require additional time. This is a remote position but candidates based in the New York area, with availability for in-person on-boarding and occasional meetings, are preferred.

Please email your resume and one-page cover letter to gfo-newyork@goethe.de by September 15. No phone calls, please.

Website: https://www.goethe.de/prj/gfo/en/about/24167612.html

Eighty Years Since the End of World War II: Thursday, September 18, 4-6 p.m., Hatcher Graduate Library, Clark Library, Second Floor

September 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the hostilities of World War II. Visit the Clark Library to explore the collection of cartographic materials made during the war, including maps for the homefront, for inspiring Allied troops abroad, and for planning the movements of armed forces. Some examples of maps on display include German intelligence maps and photographs, and top secret Allied plans for D-Day.

Website: https://events.umich.edu/event/136972

Student Presentations About Summer 2025 Internships in Germany: Tuesday, September 23, 6:30-8 p.m., MLB Lecture Room 1

Students, who completed an internship in Germany this past summer, will give presentations about their experience abroad. Each presentation is about 10 minutes long.

The providers for these internships were, among others, DAAD-RISE, IES Abroad (CGIS), and Sage Corps (CGIS.)

These presentations should be of particular appeal for those students, who consider pursuing a summer internship in Germany in the future. Feel free to ask questions after each presentation, and you do not have to stay for the entire duration.

CGIS Study Abroad Fair: Thursday, October 9, 12-4 p.m., Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom

Curious about studying abroad as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan? Come explore everything the Center for Global and Intercultural Study has to offer and find the best program for you!

CGIS is part of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), but all University of Michigan undergraduates are welcome to apply to its programs.

No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you are studying, a study abroad experience is available to you during your time at Michigan.

Get your questions answered! Come chat with:
* CGIS Program Advisors
* Recent U-M study abroad students
* Financial Aid and the LSA Scholarships Office
* Newnan Academic Advisors
* Other on-campus offices

Several study abroad offices from around campus will also be present.

With over 120 CGIS programs in 40+ countries ranging from a few weeks to an academic year, there are many options to choose from.

If you want to learn more about how to satisfy your major/minor requirements abroad, how to afford study abroad, how to travel with other University of Michigan students on a faculty-led trip, or want to know what to expect, be sure to add this event to your calendar and drop by.

Website: https://events.umich.edu/event/134969

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX) 2026/2027: Saturday, November 1 (Application Deadline)

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX) is a fellowship funded by the German Bundestag and U.S. Department of State, that annually provides 75 American and 75 German young professionals, between the ages of 18-24, the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries, studying, interning, and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program. One of our University of Michigan 2025 graduates won this fellowship for 2025-2026.

The program consists of three phases:
* Two months of intensive German language training
* One semester of classes in one’s academic or career field at a university, technical or professional school
* Three-month internships in one’s career field

CBYX is open to candidates in all career fields who are interested in a year of academic, professional, and cultural exchange.

Benefits:
* Round-trip international airfare
* Language school costs for two months of intensive German language study
* Tuition costs for four months of study
* Housing costs for host family, apartment, or dormitory during the pre-internship phases
* Monthly stipend to cover basic costs of living
* Program-related travel within Germany
* Health insurance in Germany

Note: program funding during the internship depends on earnings.

Website: https://culturalvistas.org/our-programs/internships-fellowships/congress-bundestag-youth-exchange-for-young-professionals-cbyx