26 September 2024

Updated content

Course overview

Old:

Explore two rich and diverse cultural traditions while developing your fluency in the German language and your expertise in English literature, exploring the connections between the two.

There is a core German language module in every year of study. The first year will introduce you to English and German literature and culture though core and optional core modules.

In your intermediate and final years, all English and German optional modules are open to you. Topics range from literature and critical theory to history, politics, linguistics, philosophy and film. In your final year, you can choose to write a dissertation, including the option to write on a comparative topic addressing both German and English literature.

You will normally spend your second or third year abroad, consolidating and enhancing your learning.

You will finish your degree as a proficient, internationally mobile linguist with a deep understanding of key issues and developments in Germany’s past and present, and an advanced knowledge of German, English, and comparative literatures.

New:

Explore two rich and diverse cultural traditions while developing your fluency in the German language and your expertise in English literature, exploring the connections between the two. German may be studied at Advanced or Beginner level.

There is a core German language module in every year of study. The first year will introduce you to English and German literature and culture though core and optional core modules. In your intermediate and final years, all English and German optional modules are open to you. Topics range from literature and critical theory to history, politics, linguistics, philosophy and film. In your final year, you can choose to write a dissertation, including the option to write on a comparative topic addressing both German and English literature.

Your second or third year is normally spent abroad, either as a language assistant, working, or studying at one of our partner universities (at present including Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Dresden). This is an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the linguistic and cultural contexts where German is spoken, enhance your language skills and build international connections.

You will have access to outstanding facilities and resources. This includes flexible collaborative and individual learning spaces, as well as a vast selection of print, digital and multimedia learning materials.

You will finish your degree as a proficient, internationally mobile linguist with a deep understanding of key issues and developments in Germany’s past and present, and an advanced knowledge of German, English, and comparative literatures.

Core modules

Old:

In your first year, you will take language classes designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of written and spoken German (either at Beginners or Advanced level).

To complement your language development, you will study cultural modules that focus on contemporary German society and the origins of modern German culture in the late eighteenth century. This provides an excellent and comprehensive foundation for studying further aspects of German literary, visual and political culture in the later stages of your degree.

On the English side of your degree, you will take ‘Modes of Reading’, a module that focuses on questions of approach, critical practice, and reading strategies. You will additionally choose one English module in your first year, from a list of three: ‘Epic into Novel’; ‘Medieval and Early Modern Literature’; or ‘Modern World Literatures’.

In your intermediate and final years, in addition to core and optional modules in English, you will go on to further develop your German language skills. You will also have an opportunity to develop your own particular interests by choosing from a wide selection of modules offered by German specialists that cover a broad range of subjects in German culture, society, literature, politics, philosophy, film, history and business, as well as translation and transnationalism. You can also opt to study some of our interdisciplinary cross-School modules.

You can choose to spend your year abroad studying at a university in a German speaking country or on a British Council Assistantship or a work placement.

New:

In your first year, you will take language classes designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of written and spoken German (at either Beginner or Advanced level).

To complement your language development, you will study a culture module that focuses on contemporary German society and the origins of modern German culture. This provides an excellent and comprehensive foundation for studying further aspects of German literary, visual and political culture in the later stages of your degree.

On the English side of your degree, you will take ‘Modes of Reading’, a module that focuses on questions of approach, critical practice, and reading strategies. You will additionally choose one English module in your first year, from a list of three: ‘Epic into Novel’; ‘Medieval and Early Modern Literature’; or ‘Modern World Literatures’.

In your intermediate and final years, in addition to core and optional modules in English, you will go on to further develop your German language skills. You will also have an opportunity to develop your own interests, choosing from a wide selection of specialist modules that cover a broad range of subjects in German culture, society, literature, politics, philosophy, film, history and business, as well as translation and transnationalism. You can also opt to study some of our interdisciplinary cross-School modules.

You can choose to spend your year abroad studying at a university in a German-speaking country, on a British Council Assistantship, or on a work placement.