A) Theory and definition, first to second semester
- Module 1: preparatory course (M1)
The obligatory preparatory course M1 guarantees that all participants share a common basis of relevant knowledge.
Course aims: consolidation of knowledge in a) scientific methods in linguistics, b) a solid theoretical foundation in linguistics and c) in empirical research methods
Content: a) academic texts, citation conventions, online resources and b) overview over the fields of linguistic research, the history of the subject, current trends in empirical studies in Language - Interaction - Culture
- Module 2: theories of Language - Interaction - Culture (M2)
This module teaches relevant concepts and theories to define and describe the fields of Language - Interaction - Culture, with a special focus on their respective connections in the fields of spoken and written language, theories of culture and interaction, talk at work, variational linguistics.
Course aims: developing a theoretical foundation to define and understand the connections between language, interaction and culture
Content: orality and literacy, culture, interactional linguistics, language in the context of institutions, language contact, multilingualism
B) Research methods, first to third semester
- Module 3: quantitative and qualitative methods (M3)
This module offers an overview over qualitative and quantitative methods of empirical linguistics and enables a deeper understanding of the methodical approaches relevant for a study of Language - Interaction - Culture.
Course aims: preparation for the choice of a major field, methodical competences, practical skills for empirical analysis
Content: introduction to the methodology of empirical linguistics, acquisition of solid practical knowledge of methods in qualitative and/or quantitative methods
C) Findings, second to third semester
- Module 4: exemplary fields of linguistic interest (M4)
Students gain insights into the state of knowledge in central areas of empirical linguistics, e.g., i) intercultural studies, ii) language and culture in Africa, iii) multilingualism/language contact, iv) interactional linguistics/conversation analysis.
Course aims: obtaining knowledge and competence in core fields of empirical linguistics content: thematic classes on relevant topics
- Module 5: practical training/internship (M5)
The practical training/internship is chosen in close accord with the major field the student has chosen and with prior consultation with the mentor. Internships can be done, e.g., in EU institutions, with companies or newspapers, or they might be compensated by a linguistic summer school or a field trip (e.g., to Africa), by taking part in a research project, by organising a conference, etc. The progress and results of the practical component are documented in a report.
D) Transfer (Master's thesis), fourth semester
- Module 6: Master's module (M6)
The solid linguistic and socio-linguistic foundation will allow students to conduct their own empirical research in the Master's thesis. The Master's module further encompasses participation in a colloquium in the respective department of the supervisor.
A joint degree is possible with Moscow City Teachers' Training University (MGPU / Russia). A focal area of MPGU is the study of English Linguistics, this programme is taught in English at MGPU. Master's students have the option of spending their second year at the partner institution (tuition will only be paid at the home institution). Each university will then grant its own Master's degree.
A short internship is part of the study programme.