B.A. German as a Second and Foreign Language (two-subject model)
German as a Second Language is offered as a joint program between the Department of Intercultural Communication and Multilingualism Research and the Institute for German Language and Literature, Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies.
Program Profile
The bachelor's program German as a Second and Foreign Language (DaZ/DaF) gives students the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the field of foreign language teaching. Combining theory and practice, the program serves as an excellent qualification for entering professional arenas, and equips students with the skills necessary to pursue a master’s degree. Over the course of the program, students will address the dual perspectives inherent in the subject, such as second/foreign languages vs native languages, living in-state vs abroad, learning as a child vs as an adult. Given that the program is designed to facilitate teaching, which students often perform abroad, it explicitly targets international students with strong German language skills who wish to teach in their home countries upon graduation.
The program German as a Second and Foreign Language is characterized by its rigorous approach to learning and teaching from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Key components of the curriculum are:
- Societal and political conditions inherent in teaching and learning German as a second / foreign language
- Theories, methods and areas of research that facilitate learning German as a second / foreign language
- Theories of multilingualism and multilingualism didactics
- Linguistic basics of German, with a focus on different standards of language use
- Culture and society in German-speaking regions & incorporating German literature from foreign perspectives
- Teaching German as a second / foreign language within and outside of German-speaking regions
- Learning and teaching German in highly divergent professional and academic contexts
Over the course of the program, students gain essential insights into the profession of teaching German as a second and foreign language. At the same time, they are provided with an overview of the central models and methods that compose second language acquisition research. Throughout their course of studies, they gather knowledge on the academic applications of literature, culture and regional studies, delve into the various areas of contemporary German language, and explore research into multilingualism and interculturality. In two modules, which primarily focus on the didactics of German foreign language classes, students are introduced to the practice of teaching. These practical approaches in class are accompanied by a mandatory internship in which students learn how to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations. After successfully completing the program, and mastering the combination of theory and practice, graduates possess the knowledge and skills necessary to teach German as a second or foreign language.
Program Structure
The bachelor's program is offered as a single subject within the context of a two-subject bachelor's degree program. It encompasses eight mandatory modules whose 78 credits are earned over the course of a standard period of study of six semesters.
Further information about the program’s goals, contents and credits can be found in the module guide.
To pass the program, students must complete:
- The modules of the second subject of the dual-subject bachelor's program (78 credits)
- The modules of the elective within the Faculty of Arts (e.g. in foreign languages, soft skills, etc., 12 credits)
- The bachelor’s thesis (12 credits)
Modules
This module serves as an introduction to the subject of German as a second / foreign language. Over the course of two semesters, the module teaches students the contents and methodological basics they will need for their further course of studies. M1 covers topics such as the sociopolitical conditions of teaching and learning German as a second/foreign language, professional fields for graduates, setting goals, and developing and planning the curriculum. In addition to these topics, the module emphasizes methodological work and includes important lessons about research methods on foreign/second language acquisition, the basics and techniques of scientific work, and how to use digital resources.
Given the increasing linguistic and cultural diversity in professional environments, this module emphasizes individual, social, and institutional expressions of multilingualism. Considering the ultimate goal of the program, this module specifically highlights the challenges associated with multilingualism from the perspective of educational institutions. Further contents of the module include theories and models of multilingualism research, insights into first, second and foreign language acquisition, as well as discussions of second language literacy.
Over the course of module M3, students gain valuable insights into the theoretical approaches, methods, and even problems that characterize the field of intercultural communication. The two seminars cover the didactics of regional studies, as well as how to use literature in foreign language classes.
The first didactics module, which is split across two semesters, focuses on the perspective of foreign language learners, and thus covers the methods and practices used in foreign language classes. These include: basic linguistic competencies and skills, vocabulary and grammar, analyzing and solving mistakes, and evaluating language proficiency and level. In the first of the two semesters, this module is offered alongside the module about linguistics, thus enabling students to combine linguistic theory with didactic practice. The primary emphasis of this module is placed on exposing students to practical experience in the field of teaching foreign languages. Incorporating shadowing and micro-teaching, the module enables students to view foreign language classes from the perspective of teachers.
To teach foreign languages in a variety of academic contexts, teachers must possess expansive linguistic and grammatical knowledge. This module introduces students to the areas of synchronic linguistics, terminological knowledge about German grammar, and methodological applications of phonetics.
Distinguishing between different varieties of German, and understanding when different dialects and varieties are applicable, is an essential component of learning how to teach German as a second or foreign language. This module builds upon the knowledge students attained during module 5, while further exploring language structure and use.
This module prepares students for the practice of teaching, and culminates in a teaching internship in which students can gain insight into potential professions. Each student will be advised by an internship coordinator. Furthermore, the department IKM’s network and connections enable students to complete their internships either domestically, or abroad. This network extends beyond the Cologne-Bonn area: the department has internship agreements with over 70 institutions globally, most of which are either universities, Goethe-institutes, or cultural societies.
Upon completion of the internship, this second didactic module focuses on the perspective of teachers. Throughout this module, students recall and apply the experiences and knowledge gained during their internships. Building upon the first didactics module, this module deepens students’ understanding of teachers’ perspectives, and strengthens their knowledge of the methods and contents that compose language classes.
Course Combinations
The program can only be completed in the context of the two-subject model. Principally, students can select any other bachelor's program that follows the two-subject model as a counterpart. The only exception to this rule is the program “Language and Communication in the Global Media Society”.
Students often find it helpful to combine this program with any of the following subjects: Media-, Politics- and South Asian Studies, English Studies, French Studies, German Studies, Hispanic Studies, Italian Studies. These subjects align closely in their contents.
Additionally, this program enables students to declare a second major by combining this subject with another program.
Requirements
First-semester students can only begin the program in the winter semester. To be eligible, students must satisfy the numerus clausus requirement, and the application deadline is the 15th of July of any given year.
International students who did not receive their university entrance qualifications from a German or German-speaking school must prove sufficient German language proficiency to be eligible for the program (DSH 2).
Please take the binding information of the Student Registry into account, as it is the Student Registry that is responsible for the admissions process, and not the department. You can find further information here.
Applicants of higher semester levels can find out more information about the process and application deadlines here. Further information about the awardance of credits, as well as exam- and study costs can be found on the websites of the examination office of the Faculty of Arts.
Study Abroad
Thanks to its connection with the ERASMUS+-Program, the Department of Intercultural Communication and Multilingualism Research with Language Learning Center has a multitude of partnerships with other European universities. These partnerships give our students the unique opportunity to pursue a semester abroad in Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Students can also complete their semester abroad in other countries.
To find more information, please click here! If you are in need of assistance, please contact the Institute’s Study Abroad Coordinator.
Fields of Activity
Combining theoretical knowledge and practical application, this program equips students with the necessary skills to pursue careers in the field of teaching German as a foreign language. In this pursuit, the primary goal of the program is to prepare students for positions at institutes for adult education - such as community colleges, universities, language schools and Goethe-institutes - both domestically and abroad. Though the curriculum is designed for adult education, it also encompasses modules about teaching children and adolescents. In recent years, the field of language education has proven to be a stable profession which offers graduates many opportunities for employment. In fact, as Europe grows more diverse - and as Germany experiences a flush of immigration - the field of language education will only become more important, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
However, with graduates as diverse as ours, the professional fields they enter varies greatly. Some of our graduates move into exam and learning material development. Others draw on the wide range of skills and knowledge that the program imparts, and pursue careers as publishing editors, curriculum designers, authors, educational experts and cultural mediators.
Student voices
Still uncertain about which undergraduate program to choose? Hear from current and former students as they discuss their own experiences with the program.
Study documents
You can find all relevant study documents, such as the module guide including course plan, the internship guidelines and many important documents from the Examination Office under Downloads and Links.