Course content and focus areas
The two-year master's program International Literatures and Book Markets is offered in cooperation between the methodologically complementary Romance studies departments of the universities of Frankfurt am Main and Marburg and is implemented in collaboration with the International Frankfurt Book Fair. With its innovative, highly practice-oriented teaching and research concept and its collaboration with an internationally active partner like the International Frankfurt Book Fair, the profile of the ILB master's program is unique in Germany. It is organized around the annual book fair and its changing country-specific focuses, while also permanently integrating Romance studies and literary areas relevant to the book fair. The academic curriculum is designed for methodical reflection on the intersection of literature production, reception, and marketing in a comparative international framework, primarily focusing on contemporary literatures in Romance languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Catalan) and their translations. It includes the analysis of contemporary literature in these areas, the acquisition of key qualifications, the deepening and application of existing language skills, and the implementation of individual projects within the urban environment. The practical curriculum includes an internship at the International Frankfurt Book Fair or a partner institution, the execution of a literature-focused project in the urban space, and the professionalization of writing styles relevant to the field.
Who is it for?
This degree program is aimed at graduates with a bachelor's degree in Romance studies or a comparable qualification who wish to strengthen their expertise in literature studies, literature mediation, and literature marketing through a joint degree program and are pursuing a doctorate or a career at the book fair, in publishing houses, literary agencies, cultural institutions, international organizations, or companies. Potential career fields for graduates of this master's program include international book fairs, publishing houses, agencies, literary centers, cultural journalism, research, and teaching in the areas of Romance language, literature, and cultural studies.