Course content and focus areas
The master's program "Language Structures and Language Cultures in a Romance Studies Context" is a binational, specialized degree course offered by the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures at Goethe University and Università Ca' Foscari Venezia. It concludes with a Double Degree (Master of Arts and Laurea Magistrale) from both universities.
The core focus of the program is Romance linguistics with an emphasis on empirical research. Special attention is given to the linguistic structure (syntax, morphology, and phonology) of Romance languages from a comparative-contrastive perspective, examining their variation and comparing them to German. Additionally, students strengthen and enhance their receptive and productive skills in a Romance language of their choice (French, Italian, or Spanish) and explore exemplary literary topics of their chosen linguistic focus from literary and cultural studies perspectives. Key competencies developed during the program include excellent oral and written communication skills in the foreign language (French, Italian, or Spanish), academic engagement with texts and media, skills in creative and journalistic text production (reviews, translations, journalistic articles), techniques for international academic work, oral and written presentation of research findings in the foreign language, argumentation and discussion skills, as well as proficiency in media and presentation methods.
A distinctive feature of this master's program is the integrated mandatory six-month stay abroad in Venice during the second semester, with the option to extend the stay for an additional semester. The city of Frankfurt am Main, with its international institutions, companies, publishing houses, and cultural venues, along with Venice, renowned for its cultural treasures, art events, and significant cultural institutions, offers numerous opportunities for practice-oriented projects and career-focused hands-on training.
Who is it for?
This program is designed for graduates with a bachelor's degree in Romance studies or a comparable qualification who wish to deepen their linguistic and intercultural competencies through a Double Degree program. It is ideal for those aiming to pursue a doctorate or a career in cultural institutions, media, international organizations, or companies.