Modern German Literature
(Master of Arts)
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German HZB: at least one foreign language B1
International application: German C1 AND at least one foreign language B1
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Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.
Short Description
Academic work, critical reflection, collective reading, lively debate and collaborative research are the central focus of the specialist Master’s degree programme in Modern German Literature (MA NDL). On this degree programme, students explore modern German literature from the early modern period to the present day. Objects of literary study (periods, genres, authors, themes) and methods are supplemented by issues, texts and theories from the fields of cultural sciences and the history of knowledge. The objective is to discover new objects of study, to develop transdisciplinary research questions, to establish new links and to jointly analyse them within cultural and historical contexts.
The Master’s degree programme in Modern German Literature is noted not only for its research focus but also for its ability to prepare students for a wide range of career options in the cultural and communications sector.
Further information on the website of the programme Modern German Literature
Course Content
- Applied German studies
- Contemporary literature
- Cultural sciences
- History of knowledge
- History of science
- Literary history from the 17th to the 21st century
- Mediality
- Modern German literature
- Research orientation and practical approach
The Master’s degree programme in Modern German Literature consists of three Literary History modules (NDL 1, NDL 2 and NDL 3) and two modules of a more theoretical nature, oriented towards the history of knowledge and culture (NDL 4 and NDL 5). In modules NDL 1 (around 1800), NDL 2 (around 1900) and NDL 3 (around 2000), the foundations of literary history are expanded on in historical constellations from the early modern period to the epochal thresholds.
Students learn and expand on “Theories and Methods” in module NDL 4, which combines literary history modules with modules relating to the history of knowledge and cultural sciences. In the process, students focus on the areas of poetics, aesthetics and genre theory as well as methods and theories relating to literary and cultural sciences.
Module NDL 5 “Literature, Culture, Knowledge” addresses the contextualisation of literature and the exploration of literature-immanent knowledge.
In the project module (NDCP), students may complete a semester abroad that is relevant to the degree programme or practical/occupational training abroad.
The Master’s Thesis module (NDLM) involves the preparation and critical discussion of final theses and research projects.
Semester | Thematic area 1 | Thematic area 2 |
|---|---|---|
1 | NDL 1 Literary History I (15 CP) | NDL 2 Literary History II (15 CP) |
2 | NDL 3 Literary History III (15 CP) | NDL 4 Theory and Methods (15 CP) |
3 | NDL 5 Literature, Culture, Knowledge (15 CP) | NDCP Project module (15 CP) |
| 4 | Master’s thesis (30 CP) | |
- Willingness to read (primary and secondary) literature
- An interest in historical, cultural, specialist and current social issues, topics, texts, methods and theories
- Good to excellent linguistic expression
- Ability to analyse and interpret literature
- Willingness to debate with fellow students and teaching staff
- Ability to produce academic work independently, to develop own research questions and to give joint presentations
- Doctorate (Dr. phil)
- Cultural management
- Press, publishing and proof-reading
- Media industry, journalism, online editing
- Public relations (PR)
- Scientific libraries
- Adult education
- Politics and administration
Admission Requirements
For master's degree programmes with restricted admission, places shall be allocated according to the university’s own selection procedure, if there are more applicants fulfilling the admission requirements than there are places available. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations:
Application Deadlines
First-year students (application from non-EU countries: VPD from uni-assist is required)
- June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
- December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester
Students resuming their studies and transfer students (application in a higher semester)
- June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
- December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester
Do you have questions about studying? We are happy to help!
30167 Hannover
30167 Hannover
