The study of literature and culture in Spanish requires a joy for learning the language. Previous language skills (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) are desirable, but not necessary: even if you do not pass the language entrance test, you can still start your studies as normal and make up the language skills you need.

You should be interested in Spanish-speaking cultures and societies and enjoy working with Spanish literature. Experience and contact with Spanish cultures is not a must, though it could make the start of your degree course easier.

If you enjoy working creatively with texts and their analysis, teamwork, and giving presentations, then you already have the foundation you need for this program.

You will study this subject as part of a two-subject bachelor’s degree program. The degree program always consists of an academic major and minor, which can be combined according to your interests or professional goals.

If you choose the subject as a minor, you will generally complete only a portion of the modules and classes taught to students of the major subject. As a result, you will focus on a selection from the content listed below.

Course sequence and specializations

Over the course of your studies, you will attend various lectures covering language acquisition, oral and written communication as well as Spanish language, literature, and cultural studies. Your studies are divided into four major areas:

An individual focus is also possible! You can choose between different topics, especially in the thematic seminars. The presentation and term paper topics in these seminars give your studies an individual focus. You can also choose between linguistic, literary, and historical topics for your bachelor’s thesis. It is often possible to link your bachelor’s thesis to the minor subject you are studying.

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.

In the Spanish degree program, we strongly recommend a stay abroad of at least one semester. The fifth academic semester is an ideal opportunity for this.

Internships

This program of study includes a compulsory internship with a minimum duration of three weeks. Ideally, you should complete this in the fifth academic semester.

Voluntary internships are another good opportunity to obtain more in-depth insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

In addition to your excellent language proficiency and specialist knowledge of the culture, literature, and history of Spanish-speaking countries, you will acquire many other skills during your studies. These include, for example, intercultural competencies, research and writing skills, critical thinking, moderation and discussion of complex issues, competence in the communication of knowledge and science, and media skills. These cultural studies and humanities-based skills make you an interesting candidate for employers from a wide variety of professional fields:

• Teaching languages in private, corporate, or public educational institutions
• Translation (e.g., literary translation into German, technical translation into Spanish)
• Research (e.g., university, research institutions, projects)
• Public service and administration (e.g., subject specialist, administrative work, coordination and administration of international study programs)
• Media and public relations, editorial work (e.g., publishing, editing, scientific communication)
• Marketing and advertising
• Education and culture (e.g., theaters, museums, private and public educational institutions, libraries, archives, documentation)
• International relations (e.g., tourism, trade relations, development cooperation, diplomacy, international organizations)
• International communication (corporations, organizations, etc.)
• Business (e.g., business advisory services, consulting, marketing, purchasing/materials management, human resources, corporate training)
• Politics (e.g., ministries, foundations, associations and clubs)

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.