Program structure
The main components of the curriculum consist of the core area (cultural theory and cultural history) as well as four areas of specialization. Students must decide on one of these areas, but can supplement their choice by visiting courses from other areas as well. In addition to the core area and the area of specialization, the curriculum includes a mandatory semester abroad, a supplementary area of study (including credit for courses taken from other areas of specialization, internships, study projects, language courses, and courses from the Centre for Transferable Skills), as well as the final module (master’s thesis, colloquium, and oral exam).
Methodological expertise and interdisciplinarity
Students can attend courses in the fields of literature, art and media studies, history and sociology (including ethnology), philosophy, politics and public administration, and law. Courses are normally held in German, but some courses are held in English or other European languages.
Tutorials in core areas, a cross-disciplinary mentoring program, as well as the “Europe Parliament” colloquium and the final module colloquium provide optimal support and advisement for students in the program.
Core area
Cultural theory and cultural history form the nucleus of the curriculum that all students in the program must complete. This core area imparts basic historical, theoretical, and methodological knowledge.
Areas of specialization
In addition, students choose one of four areas of specialization, with courses offered by the departments and disciplines involved in the master’s program.
Mentoring in the master's degree program
One of the central goals of the program is to provide students with the best possible support and counselling. Therefore, an interdisciplinary mentoring program is included in the curriculum which includes individual and binding mentor meetings. In particular, the mentors offer students methodological and conceptual orientation and suggest possible research perspectives with regard to term papers or the master’s thesis. The mentor meetings support and guide discipline-related reflection regarding curriculum planning and the final phases of the program, and provide students with support regarding potential opportunities following graduation.
Finally, the mentor meetings are intended to provide students with access to and a connection with specialized expertise, to ensure that the interdisciplinary orientation of the degree program is combined with a methodologically and theoretically sound approach to concrete problems.
Semester abroad
The international component of the master’s program is fulfilled by a mandatory semester abroad at one of our partner universities in a non-European country. Students are encouraged to travel to their chosen partner university with a project idea, and to use their stay in the host country to further conceptualize their master’s thesis.
Curriculum/module plan
A more detailed overview of the program’s structure can be found on the curriculum page.