The Specialization in “Linguistics and Didactics” of the MA Programme “Language and Culture in the German-Speaking Area” of the School of German Language and Literature of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is addressed to students who wish to deepen their knowledge in Linguistics and Teaching of German as a Foreign Language.
The aims of the specialization are based on a multidisciplinary approach and the interaction of the individual objectives. As far as Linguistics is concerned, the general purpose is for the students to acquire general linguistic knowledge and theoretical information as well as research skills for the analysis and description of German as a foreign language. The German language is at the core of this process, but the comparison with other Germanic languages as well as with Greek plays an important role. As far as Didactics is concerned, the general purpose is for the students to acquire specialized knowledge and develop the necessary skills in Teaching Methodology that are required in the framework of modern teacher education and training in multicultural and multilingual societies.
The aim of the programme is to familiarize students with research and methodological tools, as well as to create the conditions that will enable them to contribute independently to scientific research and/or to become teachers-researchers in educational practice. In other words, the programme aims to provide students with the specialized knowledge and methods that will be necessary for a variety of applications, linguistic, teaching/methodological and pedagogical.
In addition to the formal requirements mentioned in the Internal Regulation, the following are considered as prerequisites for participation in the MA Programme of the Specialization:
- excellent knowledge of German and Greek,
- sufficient knowledge of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, as well as of Didactics/Methodology.
Courses of the MA Programme:
In the first 3 semesters, students of the Specialization in Linguistics and Didactics attend 9 compulsory specialization courses from the following subjects:
- Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Language analysis and applications
- German as a Foreign Language Teaching and Learning, Intercultural Didactics, Analysis of communication in schools
Specifically, in the Specialization Linguistics and Didactics:
The course programme of the Specialization
- starting with analyses of the German and Greek language
- lays emphasis on the encounters of the two languages in a variety of contexts (cultural, social and professional spaces, like teaching, tourism, publishing, the media, etc.).
- taking into account multilingualism, the multiculturalism of society and the interculturality of communication
- and exploiting, where possible, interdisciplinary perspectives
(See Regulation, Article 6)
Knowledge and skills – Teaching Practice
The MA Programme aims to:
- impart specialized knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of applications in the subjects:
- Linguistics
- Teaching-Methodology
- equip students with skills for:
- scientific research with various methodological tools,
- collaborative ways of learning,
- the use of new technologies and lifelong learning.
There is no established Teaching Practice in the MA Programme, as this takes place at undergraduate level.
Career prospects
- In Primary and Secondary Education:
- as teachers: points awarded for MA and PhD
- as school principals: points awarded for MA and PhD
- as educational coordinators (former school counsellors): points awarded for MA (3,5 points) and PhD (6 points)
- as authors of textbooks and other teaching aids in German as a Foreign Language
- in research centres, e.g. in language processing
- writing subjects for language certificates
- teaching German as a foreign language in Higher Education
- in cultural centres and in the organization of events
- in the media, journalism, public relations
- in commerce
- in tourism
- etc.
The Specialization in “Literature and Culture” of the MA Programme “Language and Culture in the German-Speaking Area” of the School of German Language and Literature of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is addressed to students who wish to deepen their knowledge in the field of literature and culture of German-speaking countries, placing them in a wider European context. The comparative opening and the emphasis on translation as a predominantly intercultural contact aims at the study of German-language literature and tradition in relation to other European literatures and traditions, and especially the Greek, while allowing students to make use of their other linguistic and literary knowledge.
The requirements for participation in the MA Programme of the Specialization “Literature and Culture” are:
- excellent knowledge of German and Greek
- adequate knowledge of the history of German-language literature
- familiarity with the methodology of analysis of literary and theoretical texts
- familiarity with the main trends in literary theory.
Courses of the MA Programme:
In the first 3 semesters, students of the Specialization in Literature and Culture attend 9 compulsory specialization courses from the following subjects:
- German/German-language Literature
- Comparative Literature
- Theory and Practice of Translation
- Cultural Studies
Specifically, in the Specialization Literature and Culture:
The course content of the Specialization derives from the following subject areas:
- German-language literature and culture
- General and comparative literature
- Theory and Practice of Translation
- Cultural Studies
The Specialization offers students the following content:
Students gain comprehensive insights into the politics, society, and culture of German-speaking countries.
- They are intensively familiarized with scientific working methods and apply standardized procedures in research, conception, and execution of knowledge-based content.
- They become familiar with current international trends in German studies and related humanities subjects and are encouraged to evaluate them in terms of both content and presentation.
- They are trained in comparative and interdisciplinary thinking and methodology, with regard to both linguistic and cultural relations.
- They complete the practical application of theoretical knowledge and receive support in entering professional life.
Knowledge and skills – Teaching Practice
The MA Programme aims to:
- impart specialized knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of applications in the subjects:
- Literature
- Translation
- Culture
- equip students with skills for:
- scientific research with various methodological tools,
- collaborative ways of learning,
- the use of new technologies and lifelong learning.
There is no established Teaching Practice in the MA Programme, as this takes place at undergraduate level.
Career prospects
- In Primary and Secondary Education:
- as teachers: points awarded for MA and PhD
- as school principals: points awarded for MA and PhD
- as educational coordinators (former school counsellors): points awarded for MA (3,5 points) and PhD (6 points)
- as translators or editors of literary and other texts for publishing houses and as editors of German publications
- subtitling films and television programmes
- teaching German as a foreign language in Higher Education
- in cultural centres and in the organization of events
- in the media, journalism, public relations
- in commerce
- in tourism
- etc.