International Russian Studies: Literature, History and German-Russian Cultural Contact

The International Russian Studies: Literature, History and German-Russian Cultural Contact program at the University of Freiburg offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education focusing on the rich cultural and historical interactions between Russia and Germany. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of Russian literature, history, and culture, combined with insights into German-Russian relations and cultural exchanges. Throughout the course of study, students will explore the development of Russian literary traditions, analyze historical events that have shaped Russia and its relations with Germany, and examine the cultural contacts and influences that have occurred over centuries. The program emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural competence, and language proficiency, equipping graduates with the skills necessary for careers in international relations, cultural exchange, academia, journalism, and further research. Students will have opportunities to participate in language immersion, study trips, and internships that enhance their practical experience and understanding of both Russian and German contexts. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current global developments and scholarly research, ensuring students receive a relevant and high-quality education. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to engage professionally in fields related to Russian-German cultural and political relations, international organizations, or to pursue doctoral studies. With its strong interdisciplinary approach, the program promotes a nuanced understanding of the complexities of cross-cultural contact and fosters the development of skills essential for working in an increasingly interconnected world.

Educational organisation

Semester 1 in Freiburg:
Obligatory: Lecture on theories and methods of literary and cultural studies - and two or three of the following courses:
Graduate seminar on theories and methods of literary and cultural studies
Graduate seminar on theories and methods of history
Graduate seminar on basic issues of East European history
Undergraduate seminar on a topic of Russian history
Undergraduate seminar on a topic of Slavonic or German literary studies
Reading of historiographical key texts
Exercise in one of the following fields - palaeography, source studies, introduction to archive studies, media studies, Internet or data bases
Language courses

Semester 2 in Moscow:
Lecture on cultural memory and literary canon in German and/or Russian culture
Graduate seminar on cultural memory and literary canon in German and/or Russian culture
Lecture on Russian or German history
Graduate seminar on Russian or German history
Lecture on cultural contact and literary transfer in the 18th and 19th century
Language courses
Lecture on languages of science and science cultures in Germany and Russia
Information technologies in philological and historical research
Educational practical training
Specialisation: Cultural and Literary Studies
Master's seminar on cultural contact and literary transfer (18th and 19th century)
Specialisation: History
Graduate seminar or Master's seminar on a topic of Russian history (I)

Semester 3 in Freiburg:
Lecture on cultural contact and literary transfer (20th and 21st century)
Participation in a scholarly conference / a workshop
Techniques of scientific work in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary contexts
Specialisation: Cultural and Literary Studies
Research colloquium on literary studies
Master's seminar on cultural contact and literary transfer (20th and 21st century)
Specialisation: History
Research colloquium on history
Master's seminar on a topic of Russian history (II)

Semester 4 in Freiburg: Master's thesis, oral exam

Study abroad unit(s)

The students of the Department of Slavonic Studies at University of Freiburg spend one semester (in general the second semester) in Moscow, at the Russian State University for the Humanities. The students of the Russian State University for the Humanities spend one semester at University of Freiburg.

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

Semester 1: in lectures: written or oral test (4 ECTS); in seminars: oral presentation and/or written paper; in exercises: active participation (total 16 ECTS); in language courses: written and oral test (6-8 ECTS)

Semester 2: in lectures: written or oral test (2-3 ECTS); in seminars: oral presentation and/or written paper (8-10 ECTS); in exercises: active participation (1-2 ECTS), in language courses: written and oral test (6-8 ECTS)

Semester 3: in lectures: written or oral test (2-3 ECTS); in seminars: oral presentation and/or written paper (8-10 ECTS); active participation in a conference (2 ECTS), educational practical training (2 ECTS)

Semester 4: Master's thesis (25 ECTS), oral exam (5 ECTS)

Course objectives

In today's globalised world, intercultural experiences and skills are of crucial importance; they play a pivotal role for the success of political, commercial and cultural relations between the countries of the European Union and their neighbouring countries, particularly Russia.
The Master's programme provides qualifications for working in the cultural sphere as well as in economic, political, and scientific fields of work that require mastery of the Russian language and very good knowledge of German and Russian culture and history. Examples are occupations in literary public life and in cultural mediation, either in one's native country or abroad.

Language requirements

Applicants must prove a good knowledge of Russian (if not native language, then minimum B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and a very good command of German (if not native language, then TestDaF 5 or DSH 3).

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

• At least three years of study (usually BA level) with a focus on philological and/or cultural studies in the field of Slavic, German studies, or history with above-average results
• Good command of Russian (at least B1 level)
• Very good command of German (TestDaF 5 or DSH 3)

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester (university administrative fee and social costs)

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Job opportunities

Many students work as student assistants in our department or in different research projects (see http://www.slavistik.uni-freiburg.de). Other students find jobs within the university (libraries, administration, etc.) or outside the university in offices, shops, restaurants, etc.

Funding opportunities within the university

The university provides the so-called "Deutschlandstipendium" for excellent students. Students who qualify for this receive 300 EUR per month.

Arrival support

During the last week before the beginning of the winter semester, the department organises a special introduction in this Master's programme.

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library), and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club", coordinated by the Studentenwerk (students' social services), offers a great variety of events, trips, and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at the University of Freiburg for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small number of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (students' social services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de/wohnen-en).