You should be very passionate about reading and enjoy looking analytically at texts. As you will be studying medieval language and literature, you should also be interested in the history of languages and literature.

However, in this program of study you will be reading not only literature, but also longer academic texts on the topic of literature or language. Some of the academic literature that you will read will be in English. Therefore, your English skills should be good enough to read and understand these texts. You should also be proficient in one other modern foreign language or have knowledge of Latin. A secure grasp of German spelling and grammar is also required.

This program is studied as a part of the Bachelor of Education degree program (teacher education for Gymnasium). The degree program always includes two teaching subjects as well as the subject of Education Studies.

On the whole, the structure of the Bachelor of Education for German is oriented around the guiding principle that you attend both linguistic and literature courses in each semester.

In the introductory phase (1st and 2nd semester), you will attend introductory courses in linguistics and literature and acquire the necessary fundamentals.

In the advanced phase (3rd and 4th semester), you will gain insights into the systematic and historical foundation of the subject and also attend your first didactic courses.

In the consolidation phase (5th and 6th semester), you will have the opportunity to select a specialization for linguistics and literature and choose from a variety of courses.You can set your literary focus on either classic or contemporary German literature and your linguistic focus on either historical or contemporary perspectives. You will be able to write your bachelor’s thesis based on any area of specialization, including literary or language didactics.

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.

Internships

In the Bachelor of Education, you will complete three 3-week internships and experience different types of schools firsthand. 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.

For more information, please visit the website for school internships provided by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

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

The teacher education degree program prepares you – and is also a prerequisite – for teaching in secondary schools (Gymnasium) throughout Germany. Not only will you acquire comprehensive knowledge about the subject, you will also learn how to convey this knowledge to your future students in a fun and creative way, while inspiring interest for your subject.

To work as a teacher later on, you must also obtain the Master of Education after completing your bachelor’s degree and then complete a teacher traineeship (Referendariat).

However, you are not restricted solely to classroom teaching after completing the teacher education program. You can also work in a variety of professional fields beyond teaching in public schools.

Another related professional field is teaching German as a foreign language, for example at an adult education center or a Goethe Institute. At JGU, you can also pursue the master’s degree program for German as a Foreign Language upon completion of the Bachelor of Education for German.

You will also be able to pursue a career that requires the competent use of German and an in-depth knowledge of the German language and literature. In more general terms, you have the possibility to work in all professional fields that require the ability to think flexibly and systematically, and address questions or problems from various perspectives. These include:

• Research and academia (e.g., at universities, research institutions or in research projects)
• Education and culture (e.g., in museums, theaters, adult education, libraries, archives, and foundations of various types)
• Publishing companies
• Media and journalism (e.g., newspapers, television, radio, internet)
• Advertising
• Business (marketing, press, and public relations)

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.