Intercultural German Studies and German as a Foreign Language

The academic subject area Intercultural German Studies is concerned with the conceptual, theoretical and methodological bases of interculturality, language and culture description, and the transmission of language and culture in intercultural contexts. It reflects and analyses the context-specific application of methods and scientific knowledge in practical and problem areas, in both academic and business contexts, of transnational culture and knowledge transfer, intercultural language and culture transmission, and intercultural mediation through German as a foreign language.
In the Master's course of study, students will acquire consolidated academic knowledge and the capability for independent academic work both in specific subject areas and in an interdisciplinary context, and for applying the academic knowledge so gained within the areas of intercultural language and culture transmission and mediation already mentioned. Through the occupationally relevant transmission of specific subject-area knowledge and methodological-analytic skills, the course of study qualifies its students for these areas of activity and establishes the academic foundations for further study in doctoral courses.
Graduates of the programme work on questions of interculturalism and on the description and transmission of language and culture in both private and public institutions. They work for international organisations, institutions and foundations which - in the context of internationalisation and globalisation - focus on questions of cultural representation, initiate intercultural exchange and dialogue, and accompany these processes by providing information and practical help. Graduates find employment in the areas of publishing and media organisations where, for example, they are involved in the compilation and development of teaching materials, or they work in (language) schools throughout Germany or abroad, in university departments teaching German as a foreign language, in institutions of adult education or in cultural institutions like the Goethe Institute.

Educational organisation

First year: the various forms of fundamental, specific subject area knowledge required over and above particular study focuses are acquired and consolidated primarily in the first study year, in particular knowledge of concepts, methods and theories in the areas of intercultural linguistics, literary studies and cultural studies as well as foreign language teaching (54 credits).
Required courses: fundamentals (10 C), applied linguistics and interculturality (8 C), foreign language didactics I (10 C) and II (8 C), cultural sciences and intercultural literature (10 C), intercultural German studies (reading) (8 C). Additionally, students need to choose a foreign language course (contrast language) (6 C). Non-native (German) speakers can choose German or English as a foreign language. (2) The students acquire and consolidate competencies and knowledge of a certain culture with respect to language through the culture-contrasting transmission of systematic fundamentals of and domain-specific forms of application in the foreign language.

Second year: the second year serves the job-relevant development of the programme focus. Hence, its aim is the consolidation and selection of transmitted theoretical-methodological knowledge with respect to fields of activity in this area and reflection on the same. Through the integration of concrete practical projects, knowledge relevant to the professional area and practical skills are transmitted. The module "Work Placement Studies" serves the exercise of a practical activity in an intended work context. It is integrated into the study phase being undertaken at the respective partner institution and offers the opportunity of an individual intercultural experience in a context of activity chosen by the student. The work areas can and should be chosen corresponding to the respective focus of study and professional goals. The aims of work placements are the application, reflection on and extension of the scientific, methodological, cultural and language skills and knowledge in a concrete work context and social sphere of activity, the acquisition of subject-specific social competency for working with others in the intended professional area, determining one's individual suitability for the profession and establishing contacts relevant to future employment.
Required courses: work placement studies (6 C), intercultural studies (8 C), independent study project (10 C), intercultural German studies and media (6 C).

Students complete their Master's thesis in the fourth semester. The time frame for preparation and writing is six months. The thesis language is German. The thesis is integrated into a Master's module, which includes a Master's colloquium. The Master's module carries a total of 30 C.

Study abroad unit(s)

The module "Work Placement Studies" serves as an exercise of a practical activity in an intended work context. It is integrated into the study phase being undertaken at the respective partner institutions and offers the possibility of individual intercultural experience in a context of activity chosen by the student. The work areas can and should be chosen corresponding to the respective study focus and professional goals. The aims of work placements are the application, reflection on and extension of scientific, methodological, cultural and language skills and knowledge in a concrete work context and social sphere of activity, the acquisition of subject-specific social competency for working with others in the intended professional area, determining one's individual suitability for the profession and establishing contacts relevant to future employment.

Internships

An internship of 120 hours is to be completed during the summer or winter break between the first and second or the second and the third semesters. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship. The respective module "Work Placement Studies" serves as an exercise in a practical activity in an intended work context. It is integrated into the study phase being undertaken at the respective partner institutions and offers the opportunity for individual intercultural experience in a context of activity chosen by the student. The work areas can and should be chosen corresponding to the respective study focus and professional goals. The aims of work placements are the application, reflection on and extension of the scientific, methodological, cultural and language skills and knowledge in a concrete work context and social sphere of activity, and the acquisition of subject-specific social competency for working with others in the intended professional area, determining one's individual suitability for the profession and establishing contacts relevant to future employment.

Forms of assessment

Forms of assessment are: tests (90 min.), term papers (max. 20 pages), oral examinations (15 min. to 30 min.), presentations (20 min.), work placement (120 hours in various practical areas), one work placement report (max. ten pages) and depending on the type of work placement, one presentation (10 to 20 min.) or one draft lesson plan (max. 10 pages), Master's thesis (70 to 90 pages).
Through the examinations during the Master's programme, it can be established whether the examinees have acquired the specific subject area knowledge and the competencies required for the aims of the programme, whether they have a coherent grasp of the relevant connections within and between subject areas, and whether they possess the ability to work according to basic academic principles, to communicate academic results, and to reflect upon and judge the knowledge gained in terms of the context of its application.

Course objectives

The programme leading to the degree "Master of Arts" (MA) in Intercultural German Studies aims at the interculturally grounded and interdisciplinarily directed transmission of theoretical and practical knowledge and competencies in specific areas, thereby qualifying its graduates, acting as cultural intermediaries, for the international employment market. The course of study as conceived combines academic training with an intercultural and culture studies emphasis and preparation of its students for professional occupations and mediating key competencies relevant to practical situations. Corresponding to these study focuses, the programme prepares its students for activities as intercultural German studies experts in internationally active cultural, scientific and educational institutions, as well as political institutions and business enterprises in the area of international cultural communication that
a) deal with questions regarding concepts, methods and the theoretical foundations of interculturality, language and culture description, culture mediation and cultural transfer within the framework of research and concomitant research;
b) are active in the development and evaluation of programmes and projects in international cooperation, on the basis of their subject-area knowledge and methodological competence;
c) in the context of internationalisation and globalisation, raise questions of alternating cultural representations, realise projects of practical cultural transfer, initiate intercultural processes of exchange and understanding, and accompany these processes by providing information and practical assistance;
d) require interdisclipinary and interculturally trained interpreters, translators and cultural mediators in the practical implementation of economic and political cooperation; and/or
e) are working on the intercultural and transcultural foundation and extension of curricular questions and pedagogical questions in higher education.

Language requirements

All applicants must provide proof of their skills in two foreign languages (one at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Non-native German speakers must provide proof of their German skills.
German: TestDaF 4x4 or DSH 2 or equivalent

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study
Letter of motivation: applicants should outline their reasons for applying for the Master's programme as well as their research interests in a cover letter. An interview will cover the following topics: the applicant's academic background, previous experience and knowledge of teaching language and culture to others, programme expectations as well as professional and personal aims concerning the course of study

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees are approx. 300 EUR per semester. Fees include a pre-paid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains free of charge within the federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen, as well as city buses. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books reach approx. 700-750 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher.

Job opportunities

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Arrival support

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Services and support for international students

The International Office assists international students with all administrative questions regarding their stay in Germany, e.g. enrolment, visa, foreigners' registration office, health insurance and financing of their studies. Furthermore, it features a broad cultural programme, e.g. international cultural evenings, language workshops, theatre courses, films, dance classes, theatre and opera visits. Trips to various tourist destinations in Germany are offered throughout the year.

Accommodation

The International Office, in collaboration with the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk"), helps students find adequate accommodation. Many international students live in student residences. These have single apartments or shared apartments with individual rooms. There are also apartments available for couples and families with children.
Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 220 EUR.
Private accommodation can be found on the internet at: http://www.studenten-wg.de.