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Germanic Languages and Literature became an independent department at the University of Michigan in 1887, prior to that German language was taught under Modern Languages. Course offerings expanded to include German, Swedish, Norwegian, Gothic, Netherlands, and Yiddish. Departmental records pertaining to curriculums staffing, events, faculty, and the operation of the department. Minutes date from 1929 to 1941, and 1985-2000. Faculty files include William H. Bennett, Francis Brown, Martin Dyck, John W. Eaton, Emery George, Otto Graf, Leta Lewis, Henry Nordmeyer, Clarence K. Pott, Walter Reichart, Alice Tramm, Frederick B. Wahr, and Norman Willey.

Records from the University of Michigan Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures were received in three accessions from the department in 2005, 2006, and 2008. The material is described as one collection and is primarily comprised of records related to departmental administrative functions, events and publications, curriculum, and faculty. Files document departmental meetings, graduate and undergraduate curriculum, rotational reviews, staffing plans, personnel information, and faculty.

The records measure 1.6 linear feet, and date from 1929 to 2009, with the majority of materials from the period between 1945 and 1980. The records are primarily comprised of correspondence, minutes, personnel materials, and administrative files and are arranged into five series: Administrative, Curriculum, Events, Publications, and Faculty.