Allgemeine und vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft (weiterführend)

This (Studium) university study takes place at universities. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, language labs, and libraries. Additionally, work is done at home, such as preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, or potentially participating in online courses.

Standard (Studium) study duration: 2-4 semesters.

(Studium) study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk, student union, semester ticket). Additional (Studium) study fees may apply for "long-term students," a second (Studium) study, or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred, along with student health insurance contributions (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds). Funding opportunities can be found at Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten and through the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Compulsory modules include General Literary Theory, European Literary History, Epochs of World Literature, Research Planning and Project Development, Interculturality, Intermediality, Intertextuality, Poetics, Aesthetics, Genre Theory, and Works and Authors in a World Literary Context. Elective modules cover topics such as Interdisciplinarity, Culture, Society, Public Sphere, and Research Questions on Text and Media Analysis. Practical (Studium) study content may include internships (e.g., in media companies) or semesters abroad.

Universities may conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews, if applicable.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Coursework involves attending lectures and seminars in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester, and potentially participating in online courses from home. Independent work means preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Scientific research requires deepening skills in academic work. Organization and planning involve independently planning one's (Studium) studies, adhering to given study periods, and submitting study and examination performances on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation includes completing internships (e.g., in media companies or cultural institutions) and preparing for entry into professional life.

Students can complete parts of their (Studium) studies abroad. For example, there is an International Master's program "Literary Studies" in Italy. This program is offered at Bielefeld University and Sapienza University of Rome, leading to a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree and a double degree. Further information can be found regarding the Double-Degree Master's program in Literary Studies (Bielefeld/Rome).

The following (Studium) study subjects can be alternatives for General and Comparative Literature (advanced): In the field of Language and Literary Studies: General and Comparative Linguistics (advanced), Edition Studies (advanced), English Studies, American Studies (advanced), Digital Humanities/Computer Philology (undergraduate), German Studies (advanced), Medieval Studies (advanced), Romance Studies (advanced), Scandinavian Studies (advanced), Slavic Studies (advanced). Common aspects include working with language; applying literary-historical and literary-theoretical methods; acquiring knowledge about language and literature, as well as culture, history, philosophy, political and social institutions, and the education system. In the field of Print and Media: Book Studies (advanced) and Media Studies (advanced) can be alternatives. The commonality here is acquiring knowledge about publication processes and the publishing industry.

Universities typically require the following (grundständig) undergraduate (Studium) degrees as prerequisites: General and Comparative Literature, German Studies, English Studies, American Studies, Romance Studies, Slavic Studies, Digital Humanities/Computer Philology.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful entry into professional life. For example, topics such as information processing, intercultural competence, and rhetoric are relevant. Elective and optional modules like culture, society, and the public sphere can also impart additional qualifications. Internships, for instance in media companies or cultural institutions, specifically prepare students for professional life. Offers for acquiring additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities.

This advanced (weiterführend) study program (Studium) deepens knowledge gained from an undergraduate program (grundständiges Studienfach) and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, such as comparative literature (Komparatistik) or literary history. This program leads to a second university degree. It can sometimes be combined with other subjects. General and Comparative Literature is also available as a part-time study program.

Examples: General and Comparative Literature (Master), European Literatures (Master), International Literatures (Master), Classical and Modern Literary Studies (Master), Comparative Literature (Master), Literary Writing and Editing (Master), Literature, Culture, Media (Master), Literary and Cultural Theory (Master), Literary Mediation in Media (Master), Literary Studies (Master).

The General and Comparative Literature study program (Studienfach) can be combined with one of the following subjects, depending on the university (Hochschule): General and Comparative Linguistics (advanced), History (advanced), Philosophy, Ethics (advanced), Social Sciences (advanced), Theater Pedagogy (advanced).

Master's graduates in General and Comparative Literature have various career opportunities in the private sector, such as editing, journalism, proofreading/editing (Lektorat), or adult education. Those aiming for an academic career at a university (Hochschule) usually need to pursue a doctorate (promovieren). A doctorate can also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

Early 19th century: Literary studies emerged roughly at the same time as German Studies (Germanistik); initially, it was a sub-area of German Studies and other philologies. 1946: The first professorship for Comparative Literature in Germany was established at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (by the French occupation forces). 1999: Beginning of the Bologna Process: Reform of the European higher education landscape (Hochschullandschaft) with the following main goals: Creation of a unified European higher education area, harmonization of study programs (Studiengänge) and degrees (introduction of Bachelor's and Master's programs), improvement of student and lecturer mobility.

Degree Awarded: Master of Arts (M.A.).

No remuneration is received during the study program (Studium). Compensation can be arranged for practical phases (Praxisphasen).

Federal Level (Bundesebene): Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) as amended on 19.01.1999 (BGBl. I S. 18), last amended by Article 1 of the Act of 15.11.2019 (BGBl. I S. 1622). Joint structural requirements of the Länder (Bundesland - federal state) according to § 9 paragraph 2 HRG for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's study programs (resolution of the KMK dated 10.10.2003 as amended on 04.02.2010). Qualification Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (developed in cooperation with the German Rectors' Conference, the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and adopted by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 16.02.2017). State Level (Landesebene): Higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, e.g., on the accreditation of study programs. Qualification or higher education entrance regulations. University Level (Hochschulebene): University statutes, study and examination regulations for the study programs in the respective subject.

The prerequisite for this study program (Studium) is a first professionally qualifying university degree (Hochschulabschluss). Usually, an undergraduate program (grundständiges Studium) in General and Comparative Literature or a closely related discipline, such as German Studies (Germanistik), is required. Depending on the university (Hochschule), an internal selection process takes place, for example, in the form of an aptitude assessment procedure (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren). If necessary, proficiency in English and a second modern foreign language must be demonstrated.