German Literature (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
In the German Literature programme, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of literary studies and analytical skills ranging from medieval to modern literature. The program combines theory, methods, and practice and qualifies you for a wide range of careers in culture and media.
Please choose
- Major Field of Study
- Minor Field of Study
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
In an era of media competition, the tasks of Literary Studies are as numerous and extensive as they are exciting and diverse.
Studying German Literature at HU means contributing to many years of scientific development in opening up the cultural complexity of philological subjects: we combine the traditionally separate subjects of Old German Literature and Modern German Literature into a joint teaching and research area and give them a cultural studies orientation.
The core teaching and research subject is the history of German literature, with theory, methodology and the history of literary studies. Closely intertwined with mandatory History of Literature are the profile-defining teaching fields, which build on interdisciplinary research perspectives and subject interdependence, and offer an opportunity to specialise on the course alongside the study of the core philological material.
The course provides fundamental knowledge, methods, and work techniques for literary studies from a cultural studies perspective. It teaches core philological skills combined with specialist literary studies knowledge, covering the Middle Ages to the present, and develops the particular ability to analyse linguistic texts. Students acquire interdisciplinary knowledge that consolidates subject-specific analysis, research, and methodological skills.
The programme enables students to undertake multi-skilled methodical analysis based on literary and cultural theory of texts in a broader sense, taking into consideration the systems of symbols throughout the history of media. It offers a foundation for the German Literature master’s programme and for professional work in an information society, particularly one reliant on the collection, preparation, and provision of knowledge.
Major field of study (120 CP)
Mandatory modules (71 CP)
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Old German Literature basic modul | 7 CP |
| 02 | Modern German Literature basic module | 7 CP |
| 03 | Text and Media Analysis I | 9 CP |
| 04 | History of German Literature I – from the beginnings to 1650 | 6 CP |
| 05 | History of German Literature II – 1600–1859 | 8 CP |
| 06 | History of German Literature III from 1800 to the Present | 6 CP |
| 07 | Text and Media Analysis II | 11 CP |
| 08 | Literary Studies as Cultural Studies I | 7 CP |
| 09 | Bachelor’s thesis | 10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (29 CP)
- Module 10: Literature and Context or Module 11: Literary Studies as Cultural Studies II, each 10 CP
- Module 12: Reading course I (premodern Literature) or Module 13: Reading course II (modern Literature), each 9 CP
- Module 14: Practical Orientation or Module 15: Internship, each 10 CP
General elective modules (20 CP)
In addition to specialised study, Students acquire subject-specific, non-specialist and interdisciplinary key qualifications of 20 CP. Modules can be freely chosen from the designated module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions.
General course offerings for students coming from other courses of studies (ÜWP)
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Introduction to the fields of work of Old German Literature & Modern German Literature | 5 CP |
| 31 | History of German Literature I and I | 5 CP |
| 32 | History of German Literature I and III | 5 CP |
| 33 | History of German Literature II and III | 5 CP |
Special features
Curiosity and an open mind regarding the unknown, a keen interest in the subject matter of literature in all its forms and context, a corresponding love of reading and the willingness to work independently and pursue exemplary learning.
The connection between academia and the literary public is taken into account by the MOSSE lectures organised by the Department of German Literature, a lecture series on the ‘Public nature of culture, literature, art, science and media’, in which internationally-renowned speakers combine various subjects.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
The Department of German Literature offers the German Literature master’s programme and is involved in the European Literatures master. These and other HU master’s courses can be found in the overview of HU study programmes and nationwide via the database Hochschulkompass.
The degree programme forms the basis for the Master's degree programme in German Literature and for the job market of an information society, which is particularly dependent on the collection, processing and communication of linguistically coded knowledge (literary and cultural management, publishing/editing and editorial work, theatre, public relations, journalism, media).
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Study subject counselling and recognition of credits
Dr. Constanze Baum
Department of German Literature
Universitätsgebäude am Hegelplatz, Dorotheenstraße 24, 10117 Berlin