I started learning German in the summer of 2003 after completing my B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, India. I enjoyed learning the language so much that I subsequently enrolled for the teacher's training at Goethe Institut Poona, India, which I completed in December 2005. Right after that, I was able to bring together my interest in both German and the teaching profession while working as a German Language Instructor for two and a half years at Goethe Institut Chennai, India.
During my tenure in Chennai, I developed an interest in German Literature and decided to apply for the German Graduate Program at Vanderbilt. I joined the program in the Fall of 2008 and it has been an extremely interesting learning process since. I completed my first two semesters at Vanderbilt and was then given the opportunity to take part in the Direct Exchange Program between Vanderbilt University and the Free University of Berlin.
I am currently enrolled as an exchange student at FU Berlin. This program has turned out to be a great opportunity for me to get acquainted with the German academic system and also to explore my interests in the very vast field of German Literature. I have been able to attend seminars both on canonical works and others that explore the relationship between literature and history and also between literature and the sense of justice. My understanding of the word 'literature' has expanded remarkably thanks to the exposure to the works of present day authors too.
Together with attending classes and writing term-end papers, I am also currently using my time here in Germany to read and prepare for my Master's exams which I will take after my return to Vanderbilt in the Spring of 2011.
If you think that I may be able to help with the questions you have, please do write in. I would be happy to help.
Ann Joseph