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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.

Programme start:
Winter semester
Programme duration:
4 semesters
Language of instruction:
German (partially: Yiddish), English
Application procedure:
Admission-free with aptitude assessment in the application portal
Closing date for applications:
02.05.-15.06.
Closing date for enrolment:
16/07/2024 - 04/10/2024
Closing date for re-registration:
01/07/2024 - 15/08/2024
Relevant documents:

Examination regulations

Module guide

Both available in German only.

Study programme contact:

Prof. Dr. Marion Aptroot

Phone: +49 211 81-13228

 

Study programme/Department
SSC contact:

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

Student Services Center (SSC)

Offers for prospective students

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