Yiddish Culture, Language and Literature
Master of Arts

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.

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.

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.

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.