Deborah McGee Mifflin joined the JHU German faculty in the fall of 1999 as the language coordinator of the German Language Program. After two years of study at the Universität Hamburg in the Federal Republic of Germany, Professor Mifflin received her BA and MA from Temple University in Philadelphia in German language and literature, and has completed advanced graduate study in applied linguistics and second language acquisition in German at Georgetown University. Her interest in contemporary German culture and classroom instruction is reflected in her co-authored advanced German textbook publication, Was ist deutsch?

As part of her responsibilities as graduate teaching instructor supervisor, Professor Mifflin oversees the pedagogical training and instructional development of all graduate students teaching in the German language program. Her major areas of interest are the theory and practice of adult foreign language learning and teaching, second language acquisition, classroom interaction, and L2 oral production, as well as contemporary German issues.

Professor Mifflin develops and teaches a variety of courses in the undergraduate language program, from beginning to advanced. She works collaboratively with the director of undergraduate studies to ensure a smooth running program for minors and majors. In addition, Professor Mifflin advises students on study abroad, including the Berlin Consortium, JHU’s undergraduate study abroad program at the Freie Universität in Berlin; internships and grants; and is the faculty adviser to the German Club.

Professor Mifflin was a recipient of several technology fellow grants to develop resources for vocabulary learning and review; a finalist for the 2004 JHU Teaching Award; and a recipient of a DAAD grant for a summer study trip to Germany for engineers and international business students, which was jointly funded through a Hopkins Kenan grant. She is an engaged member of the profession and actively involved in the professional development of foreign language teachers and has received many grants for stays in Germany, including a 2011 Fulbright to participate in a summer seminar for American Germanists. She presents regularly at conferences both locally and nationally. Most recently, Professor Mifflin was elected to the Executive Council of the national organization American Association of Teachers of German (AATG).

Was ist Deutsch?