B.A. Linguistics (B.A. Linguistik integrativ)
syllabus
The structured undergraduate study programme in linguistics (Integrativer Bachelorstudiengang Linguistik) combines traditional linguistic disciplines with either foreign languages, language philosophy or computer linguistics and computer sciences. Undergraduate students can choose from three different versions of the study programme and thus focus on different academic fields. These versions comply with international standards for studies in linguistics. The alternative structured undergraduate study programme in information sciences and communication technology is unique in Germany (Informationswissenschaft und Sprachtechnologie http://www.informationswissenschaft-und-sprachtechnologie.de/bachelor_master/bachelor.php).
The three versions of the undergraduate study programme provide students with comprehensive linguistic knowledge as well as expert knowledge in one of several specialised linguistic fields. The studies in general linguistics comprised in the undergraduate programme cover all the linguistic core disciplines, i.e. phonetics and phonology, morphology and syntax as well as semantics and pragmatics. Students can choose the interdisciplinary field they would like to gain expert knowledge in and thus focus their studies on historical linguistics, neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics or language varieties including language typology and sociolinguistics. Only a few linguistic departments in Germany are currently offering comparable undergraduate study programmes.
The "S" version, which focuses on foreign languages
This version of the undergraduate study programme comprises extensive practice in one foreign language of which students have advanced knowledge and will gain proficiency over the course of their studies. In addition to that, the programme comprises practice in another foreign language of which students have no prior knowledge and which usually constitutes the third foreign language for students. Over the course of their studies, they will gain profound knowledge of this language.
The "G" version, which focuses on the basics
This version of the undergraduate study programme comprises extensive practice in one foreign language of which students have advanced knowledge and will gain proficiency over the course of their studies. In addition to that the study programme comprises studies in philosophy, which focus on the basics of argumentation, language use and cognitition viewed through the lense of a philosopher.
The "C" version, which focuses on computational linguistics
This version of the undergraduate study programme focuses on computational linguistics and information sciences and also includes practice in a foreign language of which students may or may not have prior knowledge.
On the professional application of linguistic studies
Graduates in linguistics have profound knowledge of the complexities of human language, which is of benefit or even indispensable in a variety of professional fields. Among these fields are information technology, training in communication, training for speech therapists and foreign language teachers, teaching foreign languages, write course books and text books, assist in the process of writing handbooks or manuals, or take up job in the field of media and journalism. Additional qualifications in foreign languages, the fundamentals of language use or computational linguistics and information sciences further improve the graduates' employability in certain professional fields considerably. Please note, however, that neither the Bachelor's degree nor the Master's degree results in the professional qualification of speech therapist or clinical linguist.
The following universities are offering study programmes in clinical linguistics:
University of Bielefeld
University of Frankfurt
University of Marburg
University of Freiburg
University of Potsdam
Graduates in linguistics are equipped with a profound solution-oriented approach to issues resulting from the complexities of linguistic phenomena. They are able to familiarize themselves autonomously with problematic issues and conduct research in order to address these issues. Graduates in the study programme that focuses on computational linguistics ("Linguistik mit Schwerpunkt Computerlinguistik") are qualified to develope specific implementation programmes in projects related to computational linguistics based on detailled linguistic descriptions in scientific and industrial contexts. Moreover, graduates have a solid academic oundation, which enables them to pursue a Master's programme focussing on computational linguistics.