German MA (Hons)

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in German along with modules in at least one additional subject.

1st Year

Two different types of modules are offered in first year: intensive foundation courses for beginners or students with a SQA National 5 or GCSE in German, and advanced language and literature courses for those with higher entrance qualifications such as a SQA Higher or GCE A-level.

Students who are beginners or who have studied German to National 5 or GCSE-level are required to take the following compulsory modules in their first year:

• First Level German B 1: provides the first half of an intensive language programme for beginners and those with a National 5 or GCSE.
• First Level German B 2: provides the second half of the intensive language course for beginners and those with a National 5 or GCSE.

Students who have an SQA Higher or a GCE A-level in German are required to take the following compulsory modules in first year:

• First Level German A 1: lays the foundation for study of German language and literature at university level.
• First Level German A 2: builds on the foundation study of German language and literature in First Level German A 1.

If you take German in your third and fourth years, you will choose from a variety of advanced options which incorporate literary, historical and cultural studies into language learning. Students of all language levels take the same core modules in German language, including advanced oral, writing and communication skills. Modules at Honours level include (but are not limited to):

• Art and the Artist in Modern German Culture
• German Environmental Thought (1800-2000)
• Mediaeval Things
• The Nazi Past in German Cultural Memory
• Shakespeare: The German Catalyst.

In fourth year, students have the option of undertaking a dissertation of up to 10,000 words, written in English, on a topic of their choice. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.