Collection ID: 4080195 UA#0008
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Columbia University. Department of Germanic Languages and Literature
Abstract:
This collection contains the records of the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures of Columbia University under multiple chairpersons from 1935 through 1990. Appointment files, intrinsically sensitive, were not retained on advice from Pearl Spiro, Assistant Provost for Academic Appointments; originals are retained by the Office of Academic Appointments.
Extent:
4 linear feet and 4 record cartons
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures Records; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.

Background

Scope and Content:

The collection consists of correspondence and student records generated by the department and the chairpersons of the department from 1935 to 1990. Correspondence mostly relates to general administrative matters, curriculum issues, faculty appointments, Germanic Review contributions, dissertations, and personnel information. The general correspondence is mostly that of the chairperson of the department regarding administrative issues with occasional personal content. Faculty correspondence contains information on faculty members in the department, in particular their appointments. Student records include references from various chairpersons, transcripts, dissertation topic approvals, and acceptance letters. A number of faculty members were students in the Germanics department prior to their appointments, for which reason correspondence regarding their student transcripts, dissertations, etc. as well as personnel information is kept with the student records for the protection of privacy. Photograph identifications have been kept with original correspondence and paperwork.

Biographical / Historical:

The German language has been taught at Columbia University since the 1880's. However, the Germanic Languages and Literatures Department was not organized until 1890 under the Division of Modern Languages and Literatures of the Faculty of Philosophy. The department grew rapidly at the beginning of the twentieth century, with professors teaching in both the Graduate Faculties and Columbia College. The six chairpersons represented in these records are Robert H. Fife, Carl F. Bayerschmidt, William T. H. Jackson, Joseph P. Bauke, Inge Halpert, and Andreas Huyssen. The most recent correspondence covers Andreas Huyssen's term as chairperson. Following is a timeline of the chairpersons: 1920-1946 Robert Herndon Fife, 1948-1961 Carl Frank Bayerschmidt, 1961-1967 William Thomas Hobdell Jackson, 1967-1979 Joseph Padur Bauke, 1979-[1989] Inge D. Halpert, 1989- ? Andreas Huyssen.

The Germanic Review, a quarterly publication, was founded in 1926 by Professor Robert Herndon Fife and has always been closely tied to the department. The chair of the department was usually the editor, or one of the editors, of the Review.

Processing information:

Records processed 2003 Abby Lester. Finding aid written 2003 Abby Lester.

Arrangement:

Arranged in three series.

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

The following restrictions apply: Administrative restriction for 25 years on general correspondence. For faculty correspondence and student files, there is a restriction period of 75 years from the latest date in the folder.

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

PREFERRED CITATION:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures Records; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th St.
New York, NY 10027, United States
Link to repository site
CONTACT:
(212) 854-5590
rbml@library.columbia.edu