German Advising Contact Information With Office Hours From Tuesday, August 19 - Wednesday, August 27

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, August 19: 10-5 p.m.,

Wednesday, August 20: 12-5. p.m.,

Thursday, August 21: 10-5 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, August 19: 10-3 p.m. (via Zoom only),

Wednesday, August 20: 10-3 p.m. (via Zoom only),

Thursday, August 21: 10-3 p.m. (via Zoom only),

Friday, August 22: 10-1:30 p.m. (via Zoom only),

Monday, August 25: 12-3 p.m.,

Tuesday, August 26: 1-5 p.m.,

Wednesday, August 27: 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.

German Park Picnic: Saturday, August 30, 4-9 p.m., 5549 Pontiac Trail

The German Park Recreation Club hosts three picnics the last Saturday in June, July, and August. Admission gate opens 4-9 p.m.; the park closes at 11 p.m.

* Live Music
* Authentic German Food and Beer
* Live German Dance Performances

The German Park welcomes everyone to come enjoy traditional hospitality.

* Cash only Event
* $10 entry
* Tickets for food/drinks after entry

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/germanpark-annarbor/home

German Bundestag Internship Program 2026: Sunday, August 31 (Extended Application Deadline)

The International Parliamentary Scholarship of the German Bundestag brings together democratically engaged people from around the world—fostering the spirit of international cooperation in a sui generis program where the lingua franca is German!

In the five-month program (March 1 - July 31, 2026) in Berlin, participants complete a three-month internship in the office of a Member of the Bundestag as part of a broader program of university courses, cultural events, and special enrichment opportunities.

Unique in the world as a large-scale international educational program run by a national parliament, IPS symbolizes Germany's distinctive commitment to transparency, multilateralism, and democratic internationalism. Through the cooperation of its international participants, IPS promotes democratic values and tolerance in a pluralistic society; deepens understanding for cultural diversity; and promotes peaceful coexistence in the world.

IPS also strengthens Germany's bilateral relations with the participating countries—including through the engagement of eight Americans currently partaking in IPS 2025 in Berlin!

Open to U.S. citizen college graduates under 30 with strong (B2+) German skills and an interest in international politics, IPS offers an immersive experience of the German federal parliament.

Website: https://www.bundestag.de/ips_global

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

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

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