Joint Master: Transnational German Studies Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Universidade do Porto
Université de Luxembourg
Università degli Studi di Palermo

The language of instruction in the degree programme will mainly be German, although some classes will be taught in English.

Additionally, students have the possibility to take a basic language course (level A1) of the languages in the respective country and semester (French, Italian, Luxembourgish, Portuguese). However, these are not teaching languages or mandatory.

Experiencing and Understanding Europe

The joint Master's programme in Transnational German Studies is a course of study for those keen to understand Europe anew – as an idea, the past of which can be explored. This programme is for students with an interest in literary studies and cultural history who would like to trace the lines connecting the humanities in the European community; it is a course for those who want to broaden their horizons.

Four Semesters – Four Countries – Joint Master's Degree

In each of the four semesters leading to the joint Master's degree, students live in and experience a different European country and a different European university: a coordinated study programme awaits them at the universities of Porto, Luxembourg, Mainz and Palermo. The students are registered as regular students at all four universities for all four semesters (application and enrolment are handled by the University of Porto). After successfully completing the programme, each student receives a joint MA diploma from all four universities – and thus receives four European Master's degrees in one.

Independently but in Accompaniment

In the study trajectory of the Transnational German Studies programme, 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. In addition to networking with their fellow students, all participants are accompanied individually by a mentor from the professional world. In regular conversations, personal goals that point beyond the degree course can be considered. The coordinators at the four universities, each of whom work specifically for this course, directly help to organise places in student residences or in private homes and are available for individual support and advice on all questions of everyday life.

The Past as Part of Your Own Future

In each semester, this course in the humanities also provides the students with guidance about their future careers. In this way, by looking into the history and the present of literature and culture, students can also look forward: the study programme creates diverse opportunities on how to get to know the expectations of the job market and to acquire specific skills while studying. Representatives of various professional fields offer insights into future work areas. Subject-related practical projects supported by partners from outside the university provide an opportunity to gain experience that will be useful for later professional life. The acquisition of specialist knowledge and skills helps to shape career paths during the course of studies.

First phase: early January to late February
Second phase: late February to late April
Third phase: late June to mid-July

Please check the detailed application deadlines of Universidade do Porto: https://sigarra.up.pt/flup/en/WEB_BASE.GERA_PAGINA?p_pagina=2249

If the course is not filled to capacity, the application deadline will be further extended. For more information, please contact the coordinator.

University tuition and administrative fees will be reimbursed for all admitted students. We highly recommend and offer support in endeavouring to secure scholarships that cover housing and living costs. In the first application phase, you can apply for one of the Erasmus Mundus scholarships awarded by our consortium. Students without scholarships will receive a grant to cover the necessary travel and insurance costs.

The Master's programme is organised according to the following mobility plan:

First semester: Universidade do Porto, Portugal
Second semester: Université du Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Third semester: Johannes Gutenberg- Universität Mainz, Germany
Fourth semester: Università degli Studi di Palermo, Italy

The literary and cultural studies course in Transnational German Studies deals with European cultural history and its relation to German literature and culture. The transnational idea and individual support are divided into modules of three different types:

Culture and Language

In this module, literature is considered within the context of cultural history and the intercultural aspect of European literature in general and German literature in particular is examined. The idea of interculturality is examined in several steps and analysed in detail using various theoretical approaches and literary examples. Key cultural studies’ 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 it is experienced practically by international students who take language courses in German and/or the languages of the universities at which they are staying (Italian, Portuguese, Luxembourgish or French).

Literature

This module in particular builds on previous knowledge acquired during the students’ Bachelor's courses in literary studies. With regard to literary history, German literature is viewed from within its European context based on its epochs and trends. The students deal with central motifs of German and European literature and work together on key texts of literary theory. The medieval 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.

Employability and Skills Acquisition

The contents of the first two modules come together in this module. Here, job-related skills are acquired or deepened, and new networks are opened up. Through discussions with representatives of various career paths and with practical projects, the individual future of the participants already takes shape during the Master’s course.

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Spending each of the four semesters in a different country (Portugal, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy)

Reflecting interculturality and internationality as well as one's own experiences as an exchange student

An internship or practical seminar will take place in the second semester at the Université du Luxembourg or/and in the third semester at the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.

Varied

University tuition and administrative fees will be reimbursed for all admitted students. We highly recommend and offer support in endeavouring to secure scholarships that cover housing and living costs. In the first application phase, you can apply for one of the Erasmus Mundus scholarships awarded by our consortium. Students without scholarships will receive a grant to cover the necessary travel and insurance costs.

Semester contribution is included in the semester/tuition fees.

Academic admission requirements include a Bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS in humanities or an equivalent degree, which is recognised at all of the partner universities. The degree shall contain at least 50 ECTS or an equivalent quantity in the field of German Studies.

Proof of German language proficiency at the level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Proof of English language proficiency at the level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

For more information also see: https://transnationalgermanstudies.eu

First phase: early January to late February
Second phase: late February to late April
Third phase: late June to mid-July

Please check the detailed application deadlines of Universidade do Porto: https://sigarra.up.pt/flup/en/WEB_BASE.GERA_PAGINA?p_pagina=2249

If the course is not filled to capacity, the application deadline will be further extended. For more information, please contact the coordinator.

Information about funding opportunities can be requested before the application.

We highly recommend applying for scholarships that cover housing and living costs, and we are here to support you through the process.The application for additional funding from the European Commission is currently being submitted. If approved, the existing grant could be replaced with Erasmus Mundus full scholarships.