My scholarly career at the University of Mainz got off to a bit of a rocky start. On the first day of class, I went with my pathfinder Marie to what we thought was a lecture on American drama.
The course was supposed to be taught in English, so it surprised us both when the professor started speaking in German about East Asian linguistics. After an extremely noticeable exit, we figured out that we were in the right room, but an hour and a half too early.
Since then, I’ve learned a lot about how to ensure I’m in the right class. The German university education system is organized around the idea that the pursuit and attainment of relevant knowledge is more important than merely checking off boxes to get a slip of paper that qualifies you to apply for a job. The German university system is set up in such a way to promote practical career skills.
One of the ways they do this is that rather than having the same requirements for all students regardless of the major, each class has several different requirements tailored to different majors.
For example, a student working towards a B.A. in American Studies has to write a 10-to-12-page term paper each month and must deliver a thirty-minute presentation on a relevant topic, while a student seeking a bachelor of education (B.ed) is required to write a six-to-eight-page term paper and create a curriculum for teaching a novel or concept to a class.
In each of my pro-seminar courses, I have to write a 10-to-12-page term paper and deliver a group presentation. All of my courses heavily emphasize group work. Similar to the reasoning behind varying course requirements based on major, the German philosophy is that group work better prepares students for professional careers.
Another type of German course is the lecture, which consists of a professor delivering a presentation each week on a topic such as American drama or organic chemistry.
There is no homework or discussion, and course attendance is not regulated or even required, but it is in students’ best interest to attend these lectures. In order to graduate, all students need to take a comprehensive final exam which covers everything learned in the lectures and pro-seminars. Furthermore, if there is room in the lecture hall (and after the first week, there almost certainly will be), anyone can sit in and listen to a professor’s lecture.
One final note: At the end of each lecture, pro-seminar, or presentation German students rap their knuckles against the desk. It’s similar to an applause, but much more subdued. It’s not a big deal, I suppose, but it certainly took me aback the first time it happened, and it demonstrates German students’ appreciation for their education and educators. Perhaps American universities should consider adopting the practice.
