Yiddish Culture, Language and Literature
Master of Arts
Short description Short description
The two-year MA program in Yiddish Culture, Language and Literature is primarily research oriented. Background and general knowledge of Yiddish culture and literature are taught as well as linguistic, literary and cultural research and research methods according to the state of the field.
The program is intended to qualify students to continue in research or teaching as well as to work in other fields open to those who have an MA in the humanities.
Entry/Admission requirements
Requirements for admission are a BA degree in the humanities (or comparable qualifications), sufficient knowledge of English to read secondary literature, and a knowledge of the Yiddish language at a level comparable to that reached at the end of the second year in the BA in Yiddish Language, Culture and Literature.
The command of Yiddish can be demonstrated by exams passed at other institutions or by taking a language test.
Programme content
The Master’s program comprises modules in (1) Yiddish Linguistics, (2) Yiddish Culture and Literature until 1800 and (3) Modern Yiddish Culture and Literature, as well as (4) a module in Biblical Hebrew. If students arrive with a comparable knowledge of Hebrew, this can be recognized and the student can choose a module from another subject.
Students can concentrate on an area of their choice in (5) a team project and (6) the MA thesis.
Yiddish is a young field in which some aspects haven’t been researched yet, but methodologically it is part of present developments in linguistics, comparative literature and cultural studies. This is reflected in the study program.
Programme structure
The program takes two years (4 semesters); volume: 120 CPs.
Master modules:
- Yiddish linguistics
- Yiddish Culture and Literature until 1800
- Yiddish Culture and Literature in the 19th and 20th century
- Biblical Hebrew [or another module if the student meets the Hebrew requirements]
Other elements:
- Team project
- Master’s thesis
The modules are offered in a two-year rhythm, students can start in either year and complete the modules in two years.
As a rule, the team project is absolved in the first, the Master’s thesis at the end of the second year.
Programme objectives/Career prospects
The two-year Master’s program in Yiddish Culture, Language and Literature is primarily oriented towards research in Yiddish Studies. It also qualifies for other fields in which general degrees in the humanities are in demand.
There is a possibility to obtain a doctorate in Yiddish Studies after completing the Master’s degree.
Winter semester
4 semesters
German (partially: Yiddish), English
Admission-free with aptitude assessment in the application portal
02.05.-15.06.
16/07/2024 - 04/10/2024
01/07/2024 - 15/08/2024
Prof. Dr. Marion Aptroot
Phone: +49 211 81-13228
Study programme/Department
Student Services Center (SSC)
Building: 21.02 / SSC
Phone +49 211 81‐12345
For questions regarding the course of studies and for examination issues:
Student and Examination Administration
Contact Examination Administration