I pretty much know which three classes I'll be taking this fall. Being a graduate student is a little easier that way sometimes. There are only so many classes you can take. I remember starting at Ripon - my god, there were a lot of classes to choose from! And you had to take certain classes to graduate. Ok, do some of those first. But also, you should choose classes that can help you with your major. Ok, what's my major? Or what could be fun to learn about? Now, it's all - what's available?
So, here are my classes:
Crisis and Quest - German literature course taught in English, books by prominent and contemporary German authors (i.e. Kafka), discussing the issues therein. - - This one doesn't sound bad, but I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of reading and analysis. So much fun. But thank god, in english.
19th and 20th Century German Plays - Discussion and analysis of famous german plays in these two periods, concentrations on the social/cultural impact of said plays, etc. - - This is more like it. I love German theater and have read a lot so far anyway. So even though this means more reading and analysis, it'll be fun. At least fun for me, the weird girl who likes abstract and allegoric theater from Germany.
Language and Curriculum I - Foreign Language course for those wishing to teach, pedagogy and theory along with practice of methods used in teaching a foreign language. - - This one is not for fun, but rather for money. I'll need it to apply for a teaching associate position in the spring. I'll apply in the fall, but won't be able to teach until the spring. At least, I hope so. If I do teach, it'll be everyday for 50 minutes - minimum. Then, they'll give me more classes as I go on. Although, probably not more than three - which other TA's have done, depending on class sizes.
But since I'm only taking three classes, and probably won't take more than three classes every semester until I finish, I'm guessing I won't be done with this program in two years. Maybe five semesters. But I'll be able to work for all of those semesters except this first one of course, since you can't apply until you're registered for classes and have maintained a 3.0. The thing that's bugging me is that I can't find any information about the TA position online. I mean, I know what it entails, but how do I find out what I'll be paid? Am I paid, or is it fee remission? Berkeley does it differently, I think. And obviously I won't be making the same salary as there - which is like over a thousand a semester - but I'd like to know how much of my semester's tuition I can pay for with that position. Because I doubt I'll be able to take on a lot of Berlitz jobs if I'm a TA.
As it is, I'll only be able to work for Berlitz as a teacher on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and perhaps Tuesday-Thursday mornings. And I've spoken to YFU and I've decided to intern with them. But it's what I make of it, which is nice. Working at the church on Sundays (hopefully they can take me back) pays for gas. And I'll have some evenings free for babysitting. So, too bad for a social life. But I want to be busy when I go back.
Grad school - three classes a week - nine hours
Berlitz - available three days a week (possibly more) - maximum of eighteen hours a week
YFU - flexible (yeah!)
church - two hours every Sunday
babysitting - up to two evenings a week, or daytime stuff - evening=five hours pay
Then I have to think about free time and what I might want to do with it.
Rock climbing - no more than twice a month (expensive)
Website with Em - weekly maintenance (i.e. movie watching and critiquing)
writing the novel - whenever I can find time
the movie night at Berlitz - once a month, limited involvement
I'm glad I have two calendars and a cell phone. I have a feeling that I'll be making lots of appointments. And of course, the hopefully more than occasional tv-veggie exercise. And as crazy as it sounds, I want to schedule myself. I really want to have a pinned-down, organized, full schedule - like right now. I guess that's only because it's exciting. Once I actually get home, all this will probably fly right out the window. :)