Historical Linguistics (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
Discover the history and development of language: In the bachelor’s programme Historical Linguistics at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, you will explore language change, language relatedness, and the origins of German and the Indo-European languages.
Please choose
- Major Field of Study
- Minor Field of Study
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
In this self-contained bachelor’s programme on Historical Linguistics, Humboldt-Universität offers a unique area of specialisation within linguistic studies. The course deals intensively with the content and methods of German historical research into language and Historical-Comparative Linguistics (Indo-European Studies). No other German university offers a comparable, in-depth study of the changeability of language. Bachelor’s graduates may also continue their studies on the Historical Linguistics master’s programme at Humboldt-Universität.
Course objectives
- The aim of the programme is to provide a grounding in subject-related knowledge and the methods and working techniques of Historical Linguistics. It provides a differentiated viewpoint of the phenomenon of language and linguistic change.
- The programme's specific requirements primarily develop the following key qualifications: networked and multi-factorial thinking; forming hypotheses under a scarcity of information; the ability to process and assimilate large quantities of data; research skills and the ability to approach complex issues in a structured and transparent manner. Furthermore, the programme promotes the capability to combine precision and attention to detail with substantial abstraction capability.
- The programme prepares students for careers that involve linguistic communication and/or dealing with language: e.g. in the area of media/press/public relations, publishing, cultural management, training and business.
- The bachelor’s programme also creates the foundation for the next generation of academics.
Mandatory Modules (80 CP)
Basic Studies
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fundamentals of Linguistic | 9 CP |
| 02 | Introduction to Historical Linguistics | 7 CP |
| 03 | The Indo-European Language Family | 8 CP |
| 04 | Foundations of Linguistic Change | 7 CP |
In-depth studies
Specialisation by focusing on German Studies or Indo-European Studies
Specialisation in German Studies:
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 05 | History of the German Language I | 9 CP |
| 06 | History of the German Language II | 8 CP |
| 07 | Linguistic Registers in Historical Flux | 8 CP |
| 08 | Linguistic Variation | 7 CP |
| 09 | Indo-European Linguistic Branches I | 7 CP |
| 10 | Bachelor’s thesis | 10 CP |
Specialisation in Indo-European Studies:
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 09 | Indo-European Linguistic Branches I | 7 CP |
| 11 | Indo-European Linguistic Branches II | 7 CP |
| 12 | Sanskrit | 8 CP |
| 13 | Research Topics in Indo-European Studies | 9 CP |
| 14 | Language and Theory | 8 CP |
| 10 | Bachelor’s thesis | 10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (20 CP)
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | In-Depth Module/Focusing | 10 CP |
| 17 | Practical Orientation OR | 10 CP |
| 18 | Internship | 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 (ÜWP) for students coming from other courses of studies
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | Linguistic Variation and Language History | 5 CP |
| 28 | Language development | 5 CP |
| 29 | Indo-European Linguistic Branches III | 5 CP |
Special features
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin offers a unique Bachelor's degree programme in Historical Linguistics, the only one of its kind in Germany. The combination of German language history and Indo-European linguistics provides you with an exceptionally deep insight into language change and the development of German in the context of related languages.
You will benefit from the programme's strong research focus, interdisciplinary orientation, and the opportunity to subsequently pursue a Master's degree in Historical Linguistics.
An essential requirement for studying Historical Linguistics is an enthusiasm for languages and their history. Interest in cross-disciplinary knowledge is desirable (e.g. from the areas of history, archaeology, ethnology and literature) because Historical Linguistics draws data from a range of academic fields. General skills such as the ability to think abstractly, thoroughness and creativity are ideal qualities for getting the most out of a Historical Linguistics course.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
Completing the Bachelor of Arts in Historical Linguistics enables you to study for a Master’s programme in Historical Linguistics in the department.
Find out more in the overview of HU study programmes or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
Graduates of Historical Linguistics are experts in language change, language structure, and language history. The degree qualifies them for careers in numerous fields, including:
- Publishing, editing, and proofreading
- Press, media, and public relations
- Cultural management, museums, archives, and libraries
- Adult education and science communication
- Linguistic research and academic careers
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Study subject counselling and recognition of credits
Prof. Dr. Theresa Maria Roth
Prof. Dr. Jürg Fleischer
Department of German Studies and Linguistics
Universitätsgebäude am Hegelplatz, Dorotheenstraße 24, 10117 Berlin