Program Overview

Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft

Program Overview

The Master's program in Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft (General and Comparative Literature) at the Freie Universität Berlin is a research-oriented program that deepens and expands the fundamental knowledge acquired in philological studies. The program focuses on the history and poetics of European literature since the early modern period, including its ancient foundations, and non-European literature in languages of European origin.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with a literary studies component of at least 60 LP or an equivalent degree from a foreign university or equivalent institution.
• Proof of English language proficiency at the B2 level (GER).
• For applicants who have earned their degree at a foreign university or equivalent institution, proof of German language proficiency is required, which can be demonstrated by passing the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or by providing evidence of an equivalent level of proficiency.

Tuition Fees

Students do not pay participation fees, but they are required to pay general semester fees and contributions.

Program Structure

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of literary studies, including:

• Systematic poetological and aesthetic aspects (text structures, poetic/rhetorical procedures, literary communication as aesthetic experience).
• Historical-evolutionary aspects (literary/cultural epochs, genre history, style history).
• Aspects of literary research history. The program aims to equip students with the ability to understand and define methodological and terminological positions in literary studies in their historical development.

Standortvorteile (Location Advantages)

The Philological Library of the Freie Universität Berlin offers students an ideal environment for study and research, with a comprehensive book collection and extended opening hours. The Peter Szondi Institute is in close contact with Berlin's literary and cultural scene, providing students with opportunities to benefit from the proximity to various publishing houses, literary agencies, and reading stages. The institute also offers exchange programs with universities within and outside Europe, allowing students to study abroad for one or two semesters.

Modules

The program consists of the following modules:

Pflichtbereich (Compulsory Modules)

• Modul: Allgemeine Literaturtheorie (General Literary Theory)
• Modul: Interdisziplinäre Literaturwissenschaft (Interdisciplinary Literary Studies)
• Modul: Perspektiven der Forschung (Research Perspectives)
• Modul: Projektplanung und -entwicklung (Project Planning and Development)

Wahlpflichtbereich (Elective Modules)

Students must choose and complete two of the following modules:

• Modul: Vergleichende Literaturgeschichte (Comparative Literary History)
• Modul: Exemplarische Lektüren (Exemplary Readings)
• Modul: Philologischer Schwerpunkt (Philological Focus)

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program are qualified for a scientific career and for professions in literary publishing, media, theater, public and private cultural institutions, and possibly in translation.

Key Data

• Zulassungsmodus 1. Fachsemester (Admission Mode for the 1st Semester): No admission restrictions
• Zulassungsmodus höheres Fachsemester (Admission Mode for Higher Semesters): Local admission restrictions
• Studienbeginn (Start of Studies): Winter semester
• Studiensprachen (Languages of Instruction): German
• Abschluss (Degree): Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Regelstudienzeit (Standard Study Period): 4 semesters

Study Structure

The study structure is regulated by the study regulations, which contain detailed descriptions of the content and qualification objectives of each module, as well as an exemplary study plan. The examination regulations define the type and requirements of the examination performances of the modules and the Master's examination. The Master's thesis should demonstrate that students are able to work on a research task with scientific methods independently and present it. After successfully completing the study program, the academic degree Master of Arts (M.A.) is awarded.