Intercultural German Studies / German as a Foreign Language (MA) Intercultural German Studies (MA)

The academic subject area of Intercultural German Studies is concerned with the conceptual, theoretical and methodological bases of interculturality, language and culture description, and the mediation of language and culture in intercultural contexts. It reflects and analyses the context-specific application of methods and 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. The programme leads to the Master of Arts (MA) degree in Intercultural German Studies. It aims at the interculturally grounded and interdisciplinarily directed transmission of theoretical and practical knowledge and competencies in specific areas. The programme qualifies graduates for the international employment market. They are thus able to act as cultural intermediaries. The course of study 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 working as intercultural German studies experts in internationally oriented cultural, academic and educational institutions as well as political institutions and business enterprises in the area of international cultural communication.