Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe

Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe at Justus Liebig University Giessen is a comprehensive and flexible academic program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the historical, cultural, political, economic, and social dimensions of Eastern European regions. The program aims to foster interdisciplinary knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skills by integrating perspectives from various fields such as history, political science, sociology, cultural studies, and languages relevant to the region.

Students enrolled in this program will explore the complex dynamics that have shaped Eastern Europe's development from historical times to the present day. They will examine topics such as the legacy of the Cold War, post-communist transition, regional conflicts, integration processes, and cultural identities. The curriculum emphasizes multilingual competency, encouraging proficiency in regional languages, which enhances cultural understanding and scholarly research capabilities.

The program offers a mix of lecture-based courses, seminars, project work, and internship opportunities that allow students to engage practically with current issues faced by Eastern European countries. It encourages an interdisciplinary approach whereby students can tailor their studies according to their interests, combining courses from different faculties such as Social and Cultural Studies, Political Science, History, and Language Studies.

Graduates of this program will acquire essential skills for careers in international organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and diplomatic services that operate within or relate to Eastern European regions. They will be well-equipped to analyze geopolitical developments, participate in cross-cultural negotiations, and contribute to policy-making processes involving Eastern European countries.

The program also emphasizes methodological training, including qualitative and quantitative research techniques, critical analysis, and academic writing. With access to extensive university resources, seminars with regional experts, and opportunities for fieldwork or study abroad, students gain practical experience and a nuanced understanding of Eastern Europe's diversity and challenges. This interdisciplinary program prepares students not only for further academic pursuits but also for professional roles that require region-specific expertise, linguistic skills, and intercultural competence.

Educational organisation

The study programme includes 120 ECTS, which are accumulated over two academic years. There are five modules that have to be completed in the major subject, whereas the two minors consist of two modules each. All modules have to be completed during the first three semesters. The Master's thesis concludes the programme and is to be written in the fourth semester.
Module titles (selection): Interdisciplinary Module on Eastern Europe, Language Module, Slavic Languages & Cultures, Turkish: Politics, Society, Language, Conflict & Cooperation in Europe, Transformational & Integrational Economy, European Law: Institutional Principles & Eastern Enlargement
A complete overview of the programme's organisation can be found on the website of the GiZo: http://www.uni-giessen.de/faculties/research-centers/gizo-en/masters-degree-program/m-a-interdisciplinary-studies-on-eastern-europe

Study abroad unit(s)

The curriculum of the study programme does not include study abroad units, but the Giessen Centre for Eastern European Studies supports students' efforts to do internships in Germany as well as abroad.

Internships

The curriculum of the study programme does not explicitly require an internship, but it is highly recommended that students do internships, and required project work can be replaced by an internship in Eastern European-related institutions or enterprises in Germany or abroad.

Forms of assessment

Depending on the chosen major and minors, students will have to sit different kinds of examinations at the end of each course or each module. These may be written exams, longer written texts combined with an oral exam (project, thesis), essays, seminar papers or a combination of any of the above.

Course objectives

The Master's programme aims to:

• acquaint students early on with interdisciplinary research on Eastern Europe including the Turkic-speaking regions
• provide students with a diverse, interdisciplinary and distinguished curriculum covering current processes and transformation in Eastern Europe and features a broad historical focus in teaching on Eastern Europe, from the Middle Ages up to the 21st century
• equip students with high-level academic skills in the methodology of the humanities and social sciences
• offer students the opportunity to build a simultaneously research-based and job-oriented profile, characterised by Eastern European expertise, as well as an excellent knowledge of cultural, historical, legal, political and economic processes in Eastern Europe
• relate theory to practise by means of intensive projects and internships, whether in Germany or abroad
• prepare students for doctoral studies

Language requirements

Since most of the courses are held in German, good language skills in German are absolutely mandatory.
German: DSH-2 ("Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang") or one of the following:

• TestDaF with at least TDN 4 in all parts of the exam (4x4 points)
• ZOP ("Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung" Goethe-Institut)
• GDS or KDS ("Großes oder Kleines Sprachdiplom des Goethe-Instituts")
• "Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz Stufe II"
• DSH ("Feststellungsprüfung eines Studienkollegs")

As a major subject, the history of Eastern Europe requires a very good command of an Eastern European language, preferably one of those taught at the university: Russian, Polish, Czech or Serbo-Croatian. Applicants are kindly asked to provide a full account of their language skills in the application.
As a major subject, Slavic studies requires a very good command of one of the following Slavic languages: Russian, Polish, Czech or Serbo-Croatian. Applicants are kindly asked to provide a full account of their language skills in the application.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

BA (or an officially accepted and equivalent degree) with an ECTS grade of B- or higher and with some relation to the chosen major (20 CP) and one of the minors (10 CP)

Enrolment fees

JLU Giessen does not charge tuition fees (except for the Master's course in Global Change, taught in English)! You only pay a semester contribution (280 EUR per semester) covering the costs for the student body, student services, and the unlimited use of public transport in Giessen and large parts of Hesse (semester ticket).

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Giessen is approx. 700 EUR per month.

• Meals: The cheapest option is the student cafeteria (Mensa), which is definitely a good choice. Prices range from 2.50 to 6.40 EUR.
• Drinks in a bar/restaurant: A small soft drink or a cup of coffee usually amounts to 2 EUR, and a cappuccino or a beer costs around 2.30 EUR.
• Public transport: Regional public transport within the Rhine-Main and Northern Hesse region is free for students at JLU Giessen.
• Cinema: 5-8 EUR

Job opportunities

See: http://jobboerse.asta-giessen.de/

Arrival support

The international students' advisory office organises an orientation week at the beginning of each semester and provides special counselling for international students.

Services and support for international students

The international students' advisory office supports international students with general information on studying at the university, living in Giessen and activities offered by Justus Liebig University of Giessen.

Accommodation

As a student in Giessen, you can choose between private accommodation or life in a student hall of residence. JLU's accommodation office (Studentenwerk Giessen) offers you support in finding a place to stay.

Student halls of residence
If you wish to rent a room in a hall of residence, you have to submit your application directly to the Accommodation Office of the Studentenwerk, which accommodates over 2,500 students in 10 halls of residence and apartment buildings. It offers a welcome package for newly arrived students.

Private apartments and rooms:
If you choose to rent an apartment or room on the open market, the print and online editions of Giessen's local newspapers contain listings:

• Gießener Allgemeine - http://www.giessener-allgemeine.de
• Gießener Anzeiger - http://www.giessener-anzeiger.de
• Mittelhessische Anzeigen Zeitung (MAZ) - http://www.maz-verlag.de
• Gießener Express - http://www.marbuch-verlag.de

Please remember that Giessen has the highest student density of all German university towns. Thus, it is a good idea to start your search for accommodation as early as possible.