Teaching & Professional Development
Teaching
Teaching Assistantships at the German Department are an essential step towards professional expertise. Ph.D. students are trained in pedagogical theories and methods, and they refine their skills while teaching German language at the undergraduate level. Advanced students may also serve as TAs for faculty in undergraduate lecture classes, where they gain first-hand experience in effective lecturing, leading discussions, designing exams, and grading undergraduate papers.
Conference Experience
Graduate students are encouraged to attend and present their work at regional, national, and international conferences in order to gain experience in one of academia’s primary venues for intellectual exchange. To facilitate this exposure, the Graduate School,as well as the German Department, offer financial support for travel and accommodation.
Placement and Career Development
Vanderbilt University’s Center for Teaching offers a Future Faculty Preparation Program (F2P2) to the graduate student community. The F2P2 Program trains students to compile successful application portfolios. Lectures, seminars, and workshops include interview training, the formulation of cover letters, grant applications, research and teaching statements, etc.
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