For individual further development

The master’s programme in ‘Transnational Emeurasia Mundus Studies’ has four main points of focus:

German Medieval Studies

The literature of the Middle Ages is considered a reference framework in order to explore Europe as the cultural area which has grown together historically. Based on literary examples from that era and on the material tradition and mediaeval motif-history, supplemented by questions of a non-literary nature, access to practically observable transcultural exchange is made possible. The literature of the Middle Ages is thus viewed as an invitation to understand Europe as a multi-layered network. The journey through time to pre-modern texts opens up new, expanding perspectives on present and future options.

European Cultural History

Emeurasia Mundus Studies are also seen as the starting point for the study of this second focus. The important question is to understand what Europe is and where it comes from. What does it mean to live in Europe today and live in a globalized world and how does this experience differ from that of previous Europeans? The search for traces of European values such as transnationality, interculturality or multinationality begins in pre-modernity and continues to the present day.

Literary Competences

Another of the course’s focuses is to strengthen the participants’ academic competences. By dealing with key texts of literary studies – and with central theories and methods of the subject –, the students’ academic background knowledge from their bachelor degrees is complemented and previously acquired specialist skills are specifically supplemented. In addition, academic writing is considered a core competence in the master programme and this will optimally prepare the students for writing the master’s thesis as an academic task.

Professional Orientation

In addition to these points of focus, the structure of the course takes into account the professional future of the participants in each semester. Questions and practical experience of employability and professional orientation accompany the path to graduation and are intended to smooth the subsequent path into professional life by allowing graduates to develop and reflect on their personal professional profile.