German as a Foreign Language Philology

The Institute for "German as a Foreign Language Philology", which forms part of the New Philological Faculty, offers a Masters programme in German Studies (Deutsch als Fremdsprachenphilologie, DFPh/ German as a Foreign Language Philology) for students whose native language is not German. The programme comprises courses in linguistic science, literature, and culture, as well as the teaching of German as foreign language (pedagogy). The programme is specifically designed to meet the requirements of foreign students who intend to become German lecturers and teachers in their native countries, or follow careers in related cultural fields abroad, such as journalism, media, publishing etc. All lectures, seminars and other courses are conducted in German. The Masters programme covers appoximately 8 semesters and is divided into a 4-semester period of basic studies (Grundstudium) and a further 4-semester period of advanced studies (Hauptstudium). At the end of the 'Grundstudium' students must pass a set of both written and oral examinations (Zwischenpruefung) before continuing on to the 'Hauptstudium'. This concludes with examinations and a Masters dissertation, both leading to a Master of Arts degree (Magisterpruefung / Magister Artium).

In addition to the Masters degree there is a certified short-term programme (Zertifikat) which comprises two semesters.

Credits can also be acquired in the context of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) for students on the European exchange programme (ERASMUS / SOKRATES).

The courses are divided into the following areas

• Linguistic science: German language
• German Literature
• Teaching of German as a foreign language
• Proficiency in written and spoken German
• Cultural studies
• Research
• Entrance requirements
• Entrance requirements entail a very good command of the German language.

Within these areas students can select as their major subject either

• German Literature
• Linguistic Science

These are core subjects in the degree programme and the subject not chosen as a major should be studied as a minor subject. The additional areas "Teaching of German as a foreign language" (Grundlagen der Didaktik des Deutschen als Fremdsprache), "Language proficiency in spoken and written German" (Uebungen zum muendlichen und schriftlichen Gebrauch des Deutschen), and "Cultural studies" (Kulturwissenschaftliche Veranstaltungen) are complementary to the core subject areas of linguistic science and literature. Further details on these five areas are outlined in the following profiles:

In addition to the core areas of linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics), focus is also placed on second language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and language typology.

In the study of German literature emphasis is placed on the period starting with the Enlightenment to the present day, focusing on central issues and methods in the study of prose, poetry, and drama; insights into literary history are provided using examples from prose and poetry.

Central to these courses is the evaluation of teaching materials (course books for teachers and learners of German) and teaching methods. In "real life" teaching practice situations, which are recorded on video and discussed in class, students are provided with the opportunity of putting theory into practice and of experiencing the classroom situation first hand.

Courses aim to provide students with an opportunity to practice and improve their language skills. Special emphasis is placed on written, oral, and comprehension skills which help students meet the necessary academic standards and deal with the challenges they face in acquiring a Masters degree in a language in which they do not have native-like proficiency. In addition students must also attend classes that focus on the improvement of oral expressiveness and the ability to handle literary texts.

Introductory courses in cultural studies serve to provide students with a basic knowledge of important social, historical, and geographical aspects of German culture. Areas of study include the arts, music, theatre, history, politics, and social issues.

An intensive language course of one semester (Sprachpropaedeutikum) is offered for those students whose knowledge of German was sufficient to pass the university entrance examinations (DSH) but whose proficiency does not yet meet the standards required in carrying out the degree programme. It is important to note that this course may be compulsory for students whose language skills are not sufficently advanced, even though they have successfully passed the DSH language proficiency test.

Prominent areas of linguistic research within the department of linguistic science (Sprachwissenschaft) include second language acquisition, cross-linguistic studies in the fields of phonology and text linguistics, and analyses of language-specific processes in text production which are typologically/grammatically-determined.

In the department of literature the domains of cultural and historical literary research are of central interest. Emphasis is placed on the Enlightenment, Classic and Romantic periods, as well as the reflection of the literary works of the 20th century in world literature.

The Akademische Auslandsamt is responsible for the registration and admission of students to the programme at the Institut fuer Deutsch als Fremdsprachenphilologie. An application for admittance to the summer or winter semester must be handed in to the Akademische Auslandsamt by January 15th or July 15th respectively.

The minimum entrance requirement is a pass in the university language proficiency examination (Deutsche Sprachpruefung fuer den Hochschulzugang/ DSH, previously known as PNdS). Intensive language courses which help students prepare for this exam are offered at the Kolleg fuer deutsche Sprache und Kultur des Internationalen Studienzentrums der Universitaet Heidelberg (ISZ).

Address

Institut fuer Deutsch als Fremdsprachenphilologie

Ploek 55

69117 Heidelberg

Tel.: 0 62 21 / 54 75 45

Fax: 0 62 21 / 54 76 97

e-mail: idf@mail.idf.uni-heidelberg.de