Structure of the Programme - Euroculture Göttingen

For those first-semester students starting their Euroculture studies in Göttingen, the university offers an introduction to the various disciplines and approaches that constitute Euroculture. Students get acquainted with core concepts of Euroculture. What is Europe? How has it developed politically, culturally and socially after the Second World War? Which historical perspectives help to understand current events better? These are some of the larger guiding questions in the first semester, which focus on Europe from within. Students start developing their own profile, while building on their expertise from their previous studies.

Therefore, in addition to the mandatory classes, they choose one optional class from a catalogue of courses offered by disciplines involved with or related to Euroculture at Göttingen (e.g., History, Theology, Political Studies/International Relations, Intercultural German Studies, English Philology, German Philosophy, North American Studies). As part of the class "Introduction to Euroculture" students begin working on ideas for their Intensive Programme (IP) paper on the respective topic.

In the second semester, this inside perspective is complemented by international perspectives on Europe. Thereby, the different regional foci lie on Russia, North America, the Middle East and India. Due to the university's long-standing cooperation with the University of Pune (India), Euroculture is benefiting from regular visits of Indian scholars and is closely working with the Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS) at University of Göttingen.

By integrating international relations theories, postcolonial approaches, as well as historical and topical aspects, the Euroculture programme provides the basis for critically reflecting upon the perspective on Europe established in the first semester. The specific contents of the research seminar are chosen based on important issues in research and current events.

The Methodology Seminar is designed to introduce students to a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods in Social Sciences and Humanities. Students will learn about and practice working on research design and methodology. The class also helps students to finalize their Intensive Programme (IP) papers as well as to present and discuss this paper in an academic context. In more practical seminars, project and event management skills, as well as intercultural (communication) competences are taught. In order to practice and perfect their newly acquired skills, students are asked to prepare and carry out practical projects such as an academic conference, a study trip or a cultural event.

In June, all Euroculture-students of all partner universities meet at an Intensive Programme for a summer school of 7 days.

Option A: Professional Track The Professional Track requires the completion of an internship of 20-24 weeks at an organisation where the acquired Euroculture skills and knowledge can be further developed and applied. The purpose of the internship is to offer students the opportunity to link theoretical knowledge, skills and understanding with practical experience.

Option B: Research Track The research track can be pursued at European or international partner universities. The research track in Göttingen is designed to give students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of topics of their interest, to gain new expertise and experience in different types of courses and respective learning/teaching styles. There are three obligatory courses for Euroculture students, including seminars on Europe's role in the world and intercultural hermeneutics as well as a lecture series. Here, different academics give input on Europe from various disciplinary angles. Students further develop their individual academic profile in the so-called research-based seminars, where they have the freedom to follow their own research interests with support from the respective supervisor. Additionally, students attend two elective courses, which they choose according to their specializations & academic profiles and preferences. Available classes include modules in Political Science, International Relations, History, English Philology, North American Studies, German Philology, and Theology as well as courses at the Center for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS).

An overview of a sample Euroculture course structure for the Research Track in Göttingen:

In the fourth semester, the main focus lies on writing the MA theses on the one hand and on further preparation for the students' post-graduation careers on the other. To equip them with sufficient knowledge and diverse ideas for a good start into their professional or further academic career, the Euroculture Göttingen team organizes professional workshops and discussions featuring Euroculture alumni and other guests presenting possible career paths. Additionally, professional profile analyses are offered to the students.

An overview of a sample Euroculture course structure for the fourth semester: