German Literature Archive

The DLA is one of Europe’s leading cultural and literary institutions. Its campus, located at the edge of the beautiful Black Forest region, includes not only an archive with the manuscripts of world-famous authors such as Friedrich Schiller and Franz Kafka, but also two prestigious museums, an extensive research library, a very active research division, and a digital humanities division.

Candidates are selected jointly by the Department of German Studies and the DLA. They normally have a background in German Studies, Comparative Literature, Sociology, History, or Art History. Successful completion of German 3 and at least one intermediate German course or comparable language proficiency is required. The DLA covers the cost of housing at the “Collegienhaus,” an apartment complex for visiting scholars. Internships are offered during all terms and typically last 10 weeks, but shorter or longer stays are possible, depending on availability and scheduling.

Interns receive an introduction to state-of-the-arts archival working methods from DLA scholars. Depending on the interns’ language proficiency, they will assist in curatorial work, participate in the activities of the research division, or work for the digital humanities division.

Dartmouth DLA interns typically work on a range of different projects. For example, Veronica Williamson ('17) reported from Marbach about her internship in 2014 summer:

"Currently, I'm doing research on different approaches and responses that occurred in various cities during the 1968 student protests. I'm looking at it from the perspective of urban planning, political movements, and literary and cultural revolutions. In my free time, I am exploring the Denktagebücher of Hannah Arendt that the DLA has in its manuscript collections."

Ji Hyun Ahn (an international exchange student) reported about her 2014 internship:

"I've prepared the contents of an exhibition and a workshop that will be held in September [and] assembled biographical backgrounds for a research project entitled "Image Politics – Authors' Portraits and Iconic Authorization" [...]. I've been truly inspired by working with scholars on research projects while reading literary works and original manuscripts at the archive. [...] The internship has also helped me to develop a better command of the language and given me a real German work experience." 

Applications will be accepted year-round, but it is advisable to submit the application four to six months prior to the desired start date.

Required documents (in German or English) include a brief personal statement, two letters of recommendation from Dartmouth faculty, and a current CV. Final selection by interview.

Please submit documents electronically to Professor Petra McGillen.