In order to teach a foreign language and work with Greek literature, it is imperative that you have the proper language proficiency and the drive to refine your language skills.

As an aspiring teacher, a love of teaching, the ability to work well with pupils, and a sense of responsibility are all important requirements for handling the variety of pedagogical work in your future career. In addition, you should also be interested in the Greek language and enjoy working with historical sources concerning Greek history, philosophy, or culture.

Important information for all students who have not completed a Bachelor of Education (for teacher education for Gymnasium) in Rhineland-Palatinate.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

In justified cases, other degrees may also be recognized for admission to the master’s program. Recognition may be subject to conditions relating to the specific structure of the master’s degree program. If no school internships have been completed, other documented achievements may be recognized as equivalent.

Applicants who have not obtained a university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution or a degree in a German-speaking course must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. These must correspond to the level DSH-2 of the “German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants” and must be proven by the time of enrollment at JGU.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

You can find more information in the master’s degree program’s examination regulations.

You will study Greek as a part of the Master of Education degree program (teacher education for Gymnasium). This degree program always covers two teaching subjects as well as the subject of Education Studies.

Course sequence

In the master’s degree program, you will deepen your knowledge of Greek language and literature and expand your analytical and didactic skills. You will work intensively with ancient texts and learn advanced methods for interpreting and contextualizing Greek works.

Beyond linguistic precision, a particular focus is placed on the literary and cultural-historical classification of the texts. You will analyze various genres and eras – from Archaic Greece to late antiquity – and discuss their influence on intellectual history in Europe.

In addition, you will concentrate on subject-didactic issues and test out practical teaching methods. You will learn how to communicate complex topics in ways your pupils can understand and how to inspire their interest in Greek language and culture. Teaching trials and reflection will prepare you well for your future career as a teacher.

Internships

In the master of education program, you will complete a 15-day internship at a Gymnasium during the lecture-free period (March – April or August – October). The focus here is on teaching in the upper-level secondary school (Gymnasium). This practical experience will complement your theoretical training, help you practice your pedagogical skills in the classroom, and give you direction for your future career.

Further information on this can be found on the website of the Teacher Education Center and on the pages of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate on school internships.

Students interested in completing additional voluntary internships – including those in other professional fields – can find more information on the Career Service website.

In your fourth semester, you will complete an in-depth didactical internship.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

The teacher education degree program prepares you – and is a prerequisite – for a teaching career at a Gymnasium throughout Germany. Not only will you gain comprehensive knowledge of your specific school subject, but you will also learn how to convey this knowledge to your future pupils in a fun and creative way that will get them excited about the subject.

After completing your teaching degree, you are certainly not limited to a teaching position or to subject-specific lessons. You can also work in various other professional fields outside of the school system. This includes, for example, foreign language teaching in an adult education center, other alternative education institutions, or in continuing education programs. Other professional fields include:

• Research and academia (e.g., at universities, research institutions, and in research projects)
• Education and culture (in association with museums, theater, adult education, libraries, archives, and foundations of various types)
• International organizations, NGOs, economic organizations
• Information and communications management
• Media and journalism, editorial work, publishing, copy editing, marketing
• Politics, administration, economics (marketing, public relations)
• Leisure, tourism, and event management

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.