German Linguistics and Literary Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in German Language and Literary Studies at the University of Kassel offers students an in-depth understanding of the German language, its literary traditions, and contemporary usage. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in German linguistics, literature, and cultural studies, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in education, media, publishing, translation, and cultural management. Throughout the course of study, students engage with a wide range of texts from classical to modern times, analyzing linguistic structures, stylistic devices, and thematic content to develop critical reading and interpretative skills. The program emphasizes language proficiency, enabling students to communicate effectively in both spoken and written German, as well as to understand dialectal and sociolectal variations.

Students will explore the historical development of the German language, from Old High German to contemporary usage, and examine the major literary movements and authors that have shaped German literature across centuries. The curriculum incorporates theoretical and practical modules, including literary analysis, linguistic research methods, and intercultural communication. Additionally, students have the opportunity to study German as a foreign language, gaining insights into language acquisition and pedagogy. The program also encourages engagement with cultural and societal issues relevant to German-speaking countries, fostering intercultural competence and a global perspective.

Supported by experienced faculty and modern facilities, the program at Kassel emphasizes both academic excellence and practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the demands of the modern job market. Students can participate in exchanges with partner universities, internships, and research projects to enrich their learning experience. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a recognized Bachelor's degree, qualifying them for advanced studies or professional employment in areas related to language, literature, culture, and communication.

Educational organisation

Students will spend the first (or the first two) semester(s) at their home university (either Kassel or Szeged), and for the second (resp. the third) semester, they will move to the corresponding sister university. During the fourth semester, the Master's thesis will be carried out at the university of their choice. When four semesters have been completed, a double degree (certificate from both universities) can be obtained.

Starting summer semester:
Semester one: methodological principles of literature, language, and media science with aspects of cultural science, Hungarian language course
Semester two: language and literature in a European and interdisciplinary context; research-oriented project work
Semester three: in-depth studies of language and literature in a European context
Semester four: Master's thesis and final exams

Starting winter semester:
Semester one: methodological principles of literature, language, and media science with aspects of cultural science
Semester two: language and literature in a European and interdisciplinary context; research-oriented project work, Hungarian language course
Semester three: in-depth studies of language and literature in a European context
Semester four: Master's thesis and final exams

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants spend the second resp. the third semester of the programme at the University of Szeged.

Internships

There are no internships.

Forms of assessment

Seminar completed (seminar paper or project work) = 6 credits
Seminar (attendance record) = 3 credits
Language course (exam passed) = 2 credits
Master's thesis and oral exams = 30 credits

Course objectives

Expertise in linguistic science:
Analysis of cultural codes of interaction by means of linguistic methodology
Knowledge of language change processes
Knowledge of language development in German-speaking language enclaves (e.g. the Danube area)
Introduction to the linguistic and cultural characteristics of the German language
Introduction to contrastive language analysis

Expertise in literary science:
Knowledge of the course of literary change
Knowledge of German-language literature written in other countries (e.g. Austria)

Expertise in cultural science:
Introduction to intercultural phenomena
Introduction to forms and conditions of the transfer of language, literature, and culture

Language requirements

For German applicants:
DSH B1: knowledge of Latin or Greek and a modern language, or knowledge of two modern languages (one of them must be English)

For foreign applicants:

• Certification of German language proficiency at level DSH B2 and Latin or Greek at level DSH B1

OR

• Certification of German language proficiency at level DSH B2 and another modern language at level DSH B1

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in German Linguistics and/or Literature
• Certification of having studied for six semesters
• Certification of German language proficiency at level DSH B2 and Latin or Greek at level DSH B1

OR

• Certification of German language proficiency at level DSH B2 and another modern language at level DSH B1

Enrolment fees

Mandatory registration fees allow students to use public transport free of charge and the university's refectories and cafeterias at reduced prices. For example, the registration fee for the summer semester of 2016 amounted to approx. 275 EUR.

Costs of living

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Kassel, it is recommended that students budget around 750-900 EUR per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Job opportunities

Students can apply for various part-time jobs or work as student assistants on campus. Please have a look at http://www.uni-kassel.de. Some departments also provide positions as tutors or student assistants.

Arrival support

An orientation week is regularly offered to international students. During information sessions, tours, excursions, events, and leisure-time activities, international students get to know their departments, courses, the campus, and life in Kassel or Witzenhausen and become acquainted with their lecturers and fellow students. Students get the chance to make new friends during the campus rally or at the get-together brunch. Senior student tutors will assist foreign students with any questions or problems they may encounter during their stay.

Services and support for international students

Orientation week at the main site in Kassel: owoche@uni-kassel.de
Support service at the campus site in Witzenhausen: tutor-int@uni-kassel.de
Contact for exchange students: sabineernst@uni-kassel.de
Welcome Centre: http://www.uni-kassel.de/go/welcome-centre

Accommodation

International students enrolled at the University of Kassel can choose between staying at a student residence hall (Wohnheim) or private accommodation. There are about 1,000 rooms available in student residence halls in Kassel and Witzenhausen, administered by Studentenwerk Kassel. Please have a look at http://www.studentenwerk-kassel.de. Rent for a room varies from 200-320 EUR per month depending on the location and facilities. Students can choose between a single apartment with en-suite facilities or a room in a flat shared with fellow students. Finding private accommodation in Kassel is usually not difficult. Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available. Vacancies are posted in the local press and on the Internet.