Yiddish Culture, Language and Literature
Bachelor of Arts (Minor subject)

Short description
The BA program in Yiddish Culture, Language and Literature is designed as a minor in the combination BA. Students take consecutive courses in Modern Standard Yiddish and a survey of Yiddish Studies with accompanying seminars during the first years of study. During the third year, they take a research oriented module in modern Yiddish culture and literature.
A command of Modern Standard Yiddish which is acquired during the first three semesters forms the basis for the study sources in non-standard forms of the language during the last three semesters of the program.
Combination options
For this study programme you need a major subject
Art History |
English and American Studies |
German Languages and Literatures |
Historical Studies |
Japanese Studies |
Jewish Studies |
Philosophy |
Romance Languages and Literatures |
Entry/Admission requirements
A diploma qualifying for study at a university and sufficient knowledge of English. There are no special requirements for admission.
The required knowledge of English is demonstrated at the time of taking up studies through at least four years of English classes at a German gymnasium or the equivalent.
Programme content
The minor in Yiddish Language, Literature and Culture teaches active and passive language competence in the modern standard Yiddish language, a survey of Yiddish culture and literature. It also imparts scholarly knowledge of Yiddish language, literature and cultural studies and a grounding in independent research and the writing of research papers. The minor unites methods and approaches from philology, comparative literature and cultural studies.
Basic modules:
1. Yiddish language and culture A
2. Introduction to Yiddish Studies
3. Yiddish language and culture B
4. a module chosen from other subjects in consultation with the study advisor
Advanced module:
5. Advanced module in Yiddish culture and literature
Programme structure
The study program is divided into (basic and advanced) modules.
Basic modules:
1. Yiddish language and culture A
2. Introduction to Yiddish Studies
3. Yiddish language and culture B
4. a module chosen from other subjects in consultation with the study advisor
Advanced module:
5. Advanced module in Yiddish culture and literature
The basic modules are absolved during the first two years of study. Modules 1 and 3 have to be studied in order. The advanced module is taken in the last year of study.
Programme objectives/Career prospects
Students learn to work independently with Yiddish texts, to consider popular representations of Yiddish culture in their cultural and historical context, and to reflect upon the scholarly and socio-political usage of their chosen topic.
Students acquire analytical skills at an academic level, presenting facts and ideas in writing and in oral presentations – skills which are valuable in all fields where these qualities of academics in the humanities are called for.
Winter semester
6 semesters
German (partially: Yiddish), English
Open admission
16/07/2023 - 06/10/2023
01/07/2023 - 15/08/2023
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