The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures    

at Yale has long been considered one of the strongest departments of German in the United States. While emphasizing the practice and theory of reading and interpretation with a rigorous study of canonical, and also non-canonical, works of German literature, the department also encompasses and encourages within its own framework the intensive study of interdisciplinary fields such as critical theory and philosophy, comparative approaches to literature, the histories of science and law, social and political thought. Film and media studies are a focus in the German/Film program as well as within the department. In our close-knit intellectual community the faculty works with each of its students to develop a course of study that combines those elements of German thought and culture that most reflect the individual’s interests. Our goal is to allow as much freedom as possible while assuring the completion of a degree that will have thoroughly prepared the student for a strong entrance into the profession. Over the years our record in placing our graduates has been superb.

Department Community

The Department is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all of its students, faculty, and staff.  In addition to being necessary for health and welfare, nothing is more important to the quality of the community we share and value. The Department takes concerns about sexual misconduct and other forms of discrimination very seriously, and the University maintains a number of resources to address questions concerning them:

            Sexual Misconduct Response at Yale
            Office of the Provost-Title IX
            Office for Equal Opportunity Programs

Black Lives Matter

The Yale German Department stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and in support of national and international protests against systemic anti-black racism, which for centuries has posed a constant threat to the lives and livelihoods of African Americans. Post-1945 German Studies in the United States is defined by its opposition to fascism, racism, oppression and discrimination in all of its forms – but we still have a long way to go. The killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd impress upon us the urgency to reaffirm our commitments at every level.

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