Jany, Berit

Research

research overview

Dr. Jany's research is focused on second language acquisition and technology in the foreign language classroom. She is also interested in interculturality within foreign language learning. Furthermore, her research includes Anabaptist and Pietist studies as well as early German-Americana history.

keywords

German language and literature, foreign language pedagogy, education and technology, cultural and religious history and literature, immigration history and literature

Publications

selected publications

journal article
- Migration, Trauma, and <em>Tweeback</em>: Perspectives on Russian Mennonite Identity in Elina Penner’s Novel <em>Nachtbeeren</em>. The Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies. 15-28. 2024
- “‘Das kann ja jeder sagen‘: Neue Einsichten und Ansätze zur Vermittlung der Modalpartikeln im DaF-Unterricht. Linguistische Treffen in Wrocław. 101-115. 2022
- Spracherwerb als Prozess – Förderung des Selbstgesprächs in Anfänger DaF-Kursen. 119-132. 2021
- Mit Ruhe und Gelassenheit: Imagination, Movement, and Relaxation in the German Language Classroom. Teaching German / Unterrichtspraxis. 99-118. 2020
- PIETY AND BROTHERLY UNION: JUNG‐STILLING AND THE MENNONITES. German Life and Letters. 245-261. 2019

Teaching

courses taught

GRMN 1010 - Beginning German 1
Secondary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Introduction to language and culture of the German-speaking world, with emphasis on the acquisition of basic communication skills in cultural context. For students with no previous training in German. Degree credit not granted for this course and GRMN 1030.
GRMN 1020 - Beginning German 2
Secondary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Continued development of German-language skills and cultural knowledge for effective communication. Emphasis on more complex language structures and sustained interactions. Department enforced prerequisite: GRMN 1010 (min grade of C-). Degree credit not granted for this course and GRMN 1030.
GRMN 1030 - Intensive Beginning German
Primary Instructor - Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Summer 2020 / Summer 2022 / Summer 2023
Covers the same material as GRMN 1010 and GRMN 1020 in one course. Focuses on acquiring ability to understand and speak everyday German; on developing reading and writing skills; and on learning about the cultures of the German-speaking countries. Degree credit not granted for this course and GRMN 1010 and GRMN 1020.
GRMN 1500 - German for Reading Knowledge
Primary Instructor - Summer 2018 / Summer 2019 / Summer 2020 / Summer 2021
Designed especially for graduate students. Emphasizes analytical skills for acquiring reading proficiency in specialized and technical German in one's field of research. Recommended for pass/fail registration. Does not satisfy the arts and sciences foreign language requirement. Does not count towards the German major.
GRMN 2010 - Intermediate German 1
Secondary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Development of skills for independent use of German. Discussions, writing and listening/viewing activities that address topics of the contemporary German-speaking world. Department enforced prerequisite: GRMN 1020 or 1030 (minimum grade C-). Degree credit not granted for this course and GRMN 2030.

GRMN 2020 - Intermediate German 2
Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Development of communication skills and knowledge about recent social, cultural and political developments in German speaking countries through texts, media and film. Department enforced prerequisite: GRMN 2010 (minimum grade C-). Degree credit not granted for this course and GRMN 2030.

GRMN 3050 - German for Science and Engineering
Primary Instructor - Fall 2022
Introduces students to German technical language needed to engage in professional communication in STEM. Students will explore language used in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology through authentic resources in form of scientific texts, manuals, and interviews. They will acquire and practice vocabulary and structures to 1) make connections with STEM disciplines, and 2) speak and write effectively in professional settings. Department enforced prerequisite: completion of GRMN2020 with min. grade C-. Taught in German.

GRMN 3401 - The German Experience in North America
Primary Instructor - Fall 2020
Discusses the motives and conditions of German immigration to North America, particularly the history, culture, and literature of German-speaking migrants and refugees from the 17th to the 21st century. Investigates factors that shape human activity through learning about the reasons for migration and the diaspora of Germans in Russia to the United States and Canada. Studies individual settlements and stories of German pioneer authors as well as theories of nationalism and migration. Taught in English.

GRMN 4450 - Methods of Teaching German
Primary Instructor - Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2022
Required of students who desire the recommendation of the department for secondary school teaching positions. For student teaching in German, see EDUC 4712 under the School of Education.

GRMN 5020 - Applied Linguistics and Foreign Language Teaching Methodology
Primary Instructor - Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Required of all graduate teaching assistants, this course provides a knowledge of the aspects of German linguistics that are important for teaching German and a survey of foreign language teaching methods and second language acquisition research.

GRMN 6900 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor - Spring 2020 / Spring 2021
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.

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Background

education and training

Ph.D., Ohio State University 2013
M.A., Ohio State University 2009
M.A., Tech Univ of Dresden (Germany) 2007

awards and honors

Faculty Fellow, conferred by A&S ASSETT, 2020

International Activities

geographic focus

Poland Country

Other Profiles

ORCID iD

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4555-6398

VIVO

Positions

Research Areas