Transcultural Studies
| Degree: | Master of Arts |
| Application required: | Limited intake |
| Course start: | winter semester |
| Course duration: | 4 semesters |
| Form of course: | full-time |
| Language requirements: |
very good English, good skills in two other languages |
| Other: | post-graduate (consecutive) |
| Language of instruction: | mainly English, German electives |
Cluster Asia and Europe in a Global Context
Programme overview
The M.A. in Transcultural Studies is interdisciplinary and transregional in character. It follows the approach that cultures do not exist in ethnically closed, linguistically homogeneous and territorially limited spaces; instead, they constitute themselves through transformations and interweaving that results from extensive contacts and relations. Mobility and connections moulded civilizations long before the development of global capitalism and modern communication technologies.
The emphasis of the M.A. in Transcultural Studies thus lies on transcultural processes in history and the present, and the related institutional and individual negotiating strategies in the respective regional and historical context, manifested in texts, images, sounds and other media.
The content of the course is divided into three main parts. In “Society, Economy and Governance” the subject of investigation is political, social and economic interaction and exchange processes; global issues like migration, climate change or consumer behavior are also discussed. „Knowledge, Belief and Religion" is concerned with religious practices and ideologies, as with preserving and passing on knowledge within and between different groups and region. "Visual, Media and Material Culture" examines concepts like authenticity, agency and mobility with respect to the production, presentation and critical reception of images, films and objects.
Course structure
General
The M.A. in Transcultural Studies takes two years, i.e. four semesters, and is worth a total of 120 ECTS credits. A module generally consists of two to three courses and exends over one semester. The fourth semester is for writing the Master’s thesis. During the first three semesters the M.A. in Transcultural Studies has an import share of one course. The import may be taken from related Master’s programmes at Heidelberg University – depending on the offering and the student’s qualifications.
At the latest after the first semester, students choose one of the three following fields, which they will pursue for the rest of the course and use as a source of their topic for the Master’s thesis:
- Society, Economy and Governance (SEG)
- Knowledge, Belief and Religion (KBR)
- Visual, Media and Material Culture (VMC)
The first semester serves as orientation and introduction to the broad field of Transcultural Studies. The core is a module in which students are taught the fundamental theories, methods and history of Transcultural Studies. Furthermore, in another module they can get to know one special field and make connections with their previous studies.
At the end of the first semester each student must talk with their programme coordinator and commit themselves to a special field.
The second semester is for intensive initiation into the chosen special field, engaging with specific methods and theories, and possibly expanding the student’s regional and culture-specific knowledge. The special field is supplemented by a further module.
In the third semester, students continue to deepen their theoretical and methodological foundations of Transcultural Studies in the chosen special field. At the same time they should use the courses to sound out possible topics for their upcoming Master’s thesis. An import from other programmes may be helpful here.
Students are encouraged to use their third semester as a "mobility window", i.e. to go abroad to study or do research. This can happen at a university through attending appropriate lectures but also through research-oriented internships, these having to be related to their course and the Master’s thesis.
The fourth and final semester is mainly for planning and writing the thesis. A specialist colloquium led by the supervisor assists the student in this process.
Minor
The M.A. in Transcultural Studies may be studied as a minor worth 20 credits.
Formalities
Admission
There is an entry restriction and an admission restriction. Please consult the Admission regulations.
German students
German students can enrol without prior application at the Central University Administration building by the beginning of lectures. They are required to show the written statement of admission issued by the representative of the desired Master’s programme, confirming that preconditions according to the admission regulations have been met. Please inquire from the Faculty of Philosophy about further procedure.
International students
International students must apply in writing to enable due examination of their previous academic achievements. The closing date for international applicants is 15 June for the winter semester, and 15 November for the summer semester. The application must go directly to the International Relations Office. Please use the following M.A. application form and enclose the necessary documents.
Current information on procedure
Admission regulations
Examination regulations
Examination regulations Master
Examinations board
The respective examinations board or office is responsible for credit transfer, recognition, and examination issues. Further details are available from the academic advisor.
Fees
To study at Heidelberg University, fees must be paid at the beginning of each semester.
Academic Advisor
Oliver Lamers
Graduate Programme Manager / Coordinator
Cluster of Excellence "Asia and Europe in a Global Context"
Graduate Programme for Transcultural Studies (GPTS)
MA Transcultural Studies
Karl Jaspers Centre
Vossstr. 2, Building 4400
69115 Heidelberg
Telefon: +49-(0)6221/54-4009
Telefax: +49-(0)6221/54-4012
E-Mail: lamers@asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de
Office hours: Monday, 2-4 pm and by arrangement
http://www.asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de/en/students/ma-transcultural-studies.html
