How is the study program structured?

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General

A degree program consists of modules that are defined in the examination regulations and described in more detail in the module handbook. In terms of content and time, it makes sense to study these modules in a certain order. For each degree program, there is a sample study plan that shows you an ideal typical course. If you study in this way, you will be able to complete your studies in the standard period of study. This is not always possible, so there may be individual deviations from the suggested sequence. When planning, you should bear in mind that not every module is offered in the winter and summer semesters and that some modules necessarily build on each other or have other participation requirements. The student advisor will support you in the individual organization of your studies.

The modular structure of the BA program in German Studies is divided into a basic, a specialization and a concentration area as well as a practice-oriented component. A specific feature of the BA German Studies is the close interlocking and cooperation between linguistics and literature.

The BA German Studies prepares students for a Master's degree, which may be followed by a doctorate. In addition, through its practical components, it also lays the foundation for a successful entry into various professional fields in culture, media and business.

Base area

The following modules form the subject-specific basis:

Module 1 "Fundamentals of Linguistics and Literary Studies I": In the two annual overview lectures with supplementary tutorials, the basic subject-methodological and subject-scientific knowledge required in the compulsory modules of the BA German Studies is imparted.

Module 3 "Fundamentals of Linguistics II" directs attention to the individual disciplines of linguistics and focuses on general research topics, e.g. grammar, language history, semantics or pragmatics in the three courses of the module.

Module 4 "Fundamentals of Older and Modern Literary Studies II" focuses on the individual disciplines of literary studies. In the three courses to be attended, one is introduced to various topics, such as procedures of text analysis, text types/genres, concept of text/literature, etc.

Area of specialization

The in-depth area serves to further substantiate specialized scientific knowledge, which largely continues the teaching forms and methods of the basic area. At the same time, students are involved to a much greater extent in the active design of the courses, so that the seminars increasingly take on a workshop character.

  • Module 5 "Older German Language" is assigned to the in-depth area, since this module builds on basic knowledge in general theories and methods of literary studies.
  • Module 6 "Advanced Linguistics
  • Module 7 "In-depth study of older and modern literary studies".

Focus Area

Semesters five and six serve as the final focus of the program. Through the preceding modules, students have gained a broad as well as deep insight into the respective areas of linguistics and literary studies and can now choose which focus they want to concentrate on. The focus on one of the two sub-disciplines also serves to develop possible thematic emphases for the final thesis.

Two of four modules can be chosen:

  • Module 8 "Focus on Linguistics" or Module 9 "Focus on Older and Modern Literary Studies".
  • Module 10 "Literature and Media" or Module 11 "Text and Discourse".

Vocational orientation/practice

Module 2a (Practical Orientation I: Text Competence, Professional Handling of Texts) has a special status within the degree program and is intended to provide a practical insight into the handling of texts as well as to introduce students to scientific work.

The modules 15 (practical module) and 12 "Vocational project work in linguistics/literature" or 13 "Vocational project work in German as a foreign and second language" represent a continuation of the vocational orientation. The students are offered space for an exemplary testing of the acquired knowledge and skills in potential practical fields of Germanist:innen.

Module 16, in the context of which additive key competencies are acquired, serves to sharpen the professional profile and/or further personal development.

Sample curriculum of the major in German studies

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Sample study plan of the minor in German Studies

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