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Transnational German Studies

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What is the objective of the course? What is it?
What does it train you for?

‘Transnational German Studies’ offers students a journey through Europe’s cultural and literary history, in which the development of Europe – from its past through to its present and on to its future – can be experienced. “Transnational German Studies” is a course for those keen to understand Europe anew – as an idea, the past of which can be explored; for those with an interest in literary studies and cultural history who would like to trace the lines connecting the humanities in the European community; a course for those who want to broaden their horizons. In the Transnational German Studies study trajectory, which connects four European universities, the intellectual history of Europe is explored in both theoretical and concrete ways. By following the common thread of German Studies back from its common European roots in the Middle Ages to the present day, a small group of international students will, have new academic experiences together in four different countries.

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What do you learn?

In the culture and language module, the literature is considered within the context of cultural history and the intercultural aspect of European literature in general, focusing particularly on German literature. The interculturality is examined in several steps and analyzed in detail using various theoretical approaches and literary examples. Key cultural study questions accompany the students throughout the semesters and the phenomena of trans-, inter- and multiculturalism are dealt with especially with regard to the literature of German pre-modernity. For example, multilingualism is considered as a theoretical idea and an historical fact, but at the same time experienced practically by international students who take language courses in German and/or the languages of the universities at which they are staying. In the Literature module regarding literary history, German literature is viewed from within its European context based on its epochs and trends. The mediaeval tradition in particular offers students a new approach to the trans-European idea based on selected examples: intertextuality is viewed as an intercultural moment from a motif-historical perspective. Here, job-related skills are acquired or strengthened, and new networks are opened up. Through discussions with representatives of various career paths and practical projects, the individual future of the participants already takes shape during the master’s course.

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What can you do with it?

The students will be able to work in international cooperation institutes, in national and international bodies and institutions; they will be able to act as editors and proofreaders of technical and advertising texts, linguists and philologists, correspondents in foreign languages, organizers of fairs, exhibitions and cultural events. The student can also attend doctoral school in Italy and abroad