Program Overview

Italienisch - Secondary-school teaching degree: (Bachelor of Education major)

Key data on study program

The Faculty of Humanities offers a Secondary-school teaching degree with a major in Italienisch (Italian). This program has no restricted admission and a regular duration of studies of 6 semesters. A combination subject is required, and the application deadline for the 1st semester is available in the overview of application deadlines. The program starts in the winter semester, and the language of instruction is German. There are tuition and other fees associated with this program.

Requirements and application

To be eligible for this program, students must participate in a teacher orientation test procedure (§ 60 Absatz 2 Nummer 6 Landeshochschulgesetz LHG) and provide proof of this upon enrollment. Various options are recognized for this requirement, including an online test or a consultation with the Tübingen School of Education (TüSE), the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB), or the departmental student advisory service.

Students must also demonstrate good knowledge of the Italian language (level B1 of the European Framework of Reference) to participate in the program. An intensive course (Propädeutikum I + II) is available at the university for students who need to acquire the required Italian language skills. Additionally, students must have secure reading skills in English. If the Latinum was not acquired in school, students must catch up on the required Latin skills during their studies. Basic knowledge of a second Romance language (minimum level A2) is also a prerequisite or can be acquired during the program.

Program details

The program focuses on perfecting oral and written language skills, as well as acquiring methods in language, literature, and cultural science, and gaining knowledge in subject didactics. The program includes a variety of courses offered by native-speaking instructors to improve written and oral language skills. It is highly recommended that students spend part of their studies abroad to improve their language skills.

The program covers modern theoretical approaches to language science, including phonetics and phonology, morphology, lexicology, semantics, syntax, pragmatics, and variational linguistics. It also explores the historical development of the language and offers insights into mechanisms of language change or structural similarities and differences between languages through comparison with other Romance languages or Latin.

The literary science component provides an overview of Italian-language literature from the Middle Ages to the present. Students learn fundamental theories and methods for text analysis and interpretation, focusing on epochs, genres, and authors. Courses on topics from politics, economy, culture, and society are also part of the program.

In the subject didactics area, students engage with theories on foreign language acquisition, basics of didactics in foreign language teaching, and planning and implementing Italian lessons at different school levels.

What is special about the Tübingen program?

The Romanisches Seminar at the University of Tübingen offers a comprehensive study of Romance languages and literatures, including French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and others. The program's special feature is its comparative and supranational perspective in research and teaching, which includes regular courses on languages and literatures with smaller speaker populations. Numerous exchange programs with universities in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Latin America contribute to the internationalization of the program.

Is study abroad expected?

A three-month stay abroad in countries of the target language is mandatory. Students can also choose to spend additional time abroad as part of their studies, which should be planned 12 to 18 months in advance.

Career prospects

The University's Career Service assists with careers orientation and getting started in the profession. Jobs and internships can be found in the Praxisportal. Doctoral options are available at the Romanisches Seminar.

Help with choosing a study program

To help decide whether the program is right for you, the University of Tübingen provides various contact points and information on studying in Germany. The program is suitable for students interested in Italian language, literature, and culture, and who wish to become secondary school teachers.

After your studies

The Career Service offers advice and internships to help graduates get started in their profession. Doctoral options are available for those interested in pursuing further academic studies. The program prepares students for a career in teaching Italian at the secondary school level, with opportunities for further education and professional development.