NUI Galway - German Literature/Language

Course Overview/Contact:

This programme is designed for you if you want to achieve a high degree of fluency in German and are interested in deepening your understanding of German literature, one of the richest of modern European national literatures. Students are prepared for careers in the cultural industry, the media, arts administration, teaching and translation.

The programme is an excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing a PhD in this area.

Career Opportunities:

German postgraduate students acquire a flexible skills base in dealing with creative and communicative, and analytical, organisational and research, tasks, and they move on to a corresponding range of career opportunities after graduation. They have developed careers in, for example, marketing, media and arts administration, as well as following more language-related career areas such as teaching, translation, publishing, international marketing and communications. Many MA graduates have continued their studies at PhD level.

Programme Content:

The course programme includes modules on German language and literature, as well as a module on methods of research and interpretation.

CORE MODULES

Advanced Language Skills 1 and 2:
This year-long module allows students to further develop their language skills to level C2 of the European Framwork or Reference. Classes taught cover all relevant skills-reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will extend their command of grammar and vocabulary, and their sensitivity to stylistic variation, nuance and register.

Modern German Literature 1 and 2:
Students will discuss exemplary literary texts from various genres and literary epochs between the 18th and 21st centuries. Special attention will be given to historical and cultural contexts and to intertextual relationships. Students will apply various methods of interpretation. The selection of texts will vary from year to year.

Interpreting Literature - Theories and Methods:
Students will be introduced to relevant literary theories, such as New Historicism, Ecocriticism, Postcolonialism and deconstruction. They will learn to reflect critically on methods of interpretation and their application. 

Entry Requirements & Assessment:

Second Class Honours NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent, with Second Class Honours Grade 2 or equivalent in German.

Students have to take a total of six modules (10 ECTS each), which are assessed by exam or take-home essay. Five modules are obligatory and one is optional. They also have to write a dissertation of circa 15,000 words (30 ECTS) on a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor.