Although I have not been able to take any of his classes so far, I have had plenty of opportunities to interact with German Language Program Director Heiko ter Haseborg outside of the traditional classroom setting. He is always ready to have a conversation about almost any topic and, this time, I asked him a few questions about his journey to his current position and his experience at Hopkins.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Can you tell us about your background in academia?
I was a faculty member of the German program at West Virginia University. I came to Hopkins once WVU closed its language programs. I’m still in touch with most of my former colleagues, and one of them saw the position I am in now and sent it to me. I love my colleagues here, the campus, the students, and I love the teaching and learning environments here as well.
What brought you to choose German specifically?
I completed my undergraduate degree in Germany. I grew up there, my family is there, and German was my first language. I didn’t pick it as a major at first. I studied English, history, and cultural studies. There was a study abroad requirement for English majors, so 20 years ago I came to WVU as a graduate teaching assistant, fulfilling the requirement. At first, I intended to stay one year and go back to finish my degree. I ended up staying longer for two reasons. First, if I stayed for one more year, I could complete my masters. I also really loved my work as a graduate teaching assistant. I met my wife there as well. I continued with a PhD program and was offered a faculty position. I’ve taught German at all different levels.
Have you always wanted to teach?
No. Actually, I specifically could not see myself in that position. In Germany, you could go into the teaching track as an undergraduate to become a teacher at the end of the program. At the time I loved the language and literature, so I did that but said I don’t want to be a teacher. But that ended up with me being a graduate teaching assistant and getting to know the students. They always told me that I am good at what I do, so that was nice feedback to get. I also had a great mentor who was the program director of the German department at WVU. She played a big role in that.
What’s your favorite thing about being at Hopkins?
I would say the undergraduate and graduate students who I get to mentor and direct. It’s a great team, all of them. Other than teaching, which I also really enjoy, the other big task is working with them and developing materials for and with them.
What kind of classes do you teach?
Language classes, mostly! This is my first year, so I wanted to do every level of the language sequence. Right now, I’m teaching German Elements I and Advanced German II. Next semester I’ll be doing Elements II. We are phasing in new material, so it’s important that I do it. Then, I’ll try new classes like German for Science and Engineering, maybe one on music from German-speaking countries.
You mentioned classes you are hoping to introduce in the future. Where do you draw inspiration for such courses?
We, as a program, want to offer classes that meet the needs of the students. The Whiting School of Engineering has a strong program, and I would love to add a different dimension to the students’ existing interests through the German language. I want to look at how the German program can fit into that. Another source of inspiration is what I’m passionate about. I want to bring something to the students that they may not get otherwise! These types of classes, of course, would be offered in addition to our core language courses.
What about something that was unexpected at Hopkins?
Compared to my experience at a public land-grant university, faculty have a lot of freedom and autonomy here. It allows people to try out new ideas and creative approaches to curriculum. It is great, and I was not really expecting that. Another thing that I really love—the German Club—goes back to the students. Everyone here wants to do stuff out of their own motivation and that’s remarkable. Maybe not unexpected, but definitely remarkable and great!
If you were to give incoming Hopkins students a message, what would it be?
Take the opportunities you are given during this time of your life. For example, at the university, you can begin learning another language here, you could be part of a program or study abroad for a semester. Once you leave university, it’s not very likely that you’ll have the opportunity later. That’s an example of what you can do here as an undergraduate. So, take advantage of the learning opportunities if you’re interested or motivated to try learning something new like another language. Make the most of your time here and get involved!
