Euroculture in Göttingen
Course Overview
1. Semester Courses
This module helps students understand and position themselves within the field of Euroculture. They reflect on their previous studies, identify core issues, and explore key questions. Students gain knowledge of Euroculture's concepts and theories and learn to think critically about the field. The seminar introduces the program's Yearly Topic through discussions on theme statements and reader texts.
This module is designed to provide a deep exploration of the field of "society" within the interdisciplinary research domain of Euroculture. It encompasses various themes including inclusion/exclusion, social capital, construction of norms and values, citizenship, and stratification. The objectives for students in this module are to develop a profound understanding of the key scientific debates in relevant disciplines, critically analyze and question these debates, and approach central issues within the "society" field from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Additionally, students will gain knowledge of the methods and tools utilized in these disciplines and be capable of independently applying them.
This seminar is the first of three in the "Eurocompetence" series, aimed at preparing students for future employment in professional and academic fields within the European context, focusing on developing competences in research techniques, training, and presentation skills, as well as enhancing communication, expression, and discussion skills through the processing of complex topics, with a special emphasis on working in multicultural teams and within interdisciplinary contexts, including relevant excursions and potential internship opportunities.
2. Semester Courses
The seminar provides in-depth methodological knowledge and research design insights. Its aim is to familiarize students with research methods and epistemologies central to Euroculture, such as social constructivism and comparativism. It covers multiple disciplinary perspectives on research methods, including cultural, historical, political, and social. Students prepare for the IP by writing a research paper, which is presented at the IP. The seminar also focuses on the methodology of the research paper.
The seminar focuses on cultural issues to improve understanding of cultural identities and transformation processes. It examines how political and social processes impact European culture(s) and cultures in Europe, as well as cultural perceptions from within and outside of Europe.
One regional focus will be – due to Göttingen’s long-standing special cooperation with the University of Pune – on India. Another distinct emphasis for the second semester are the Transatlantic Relations. The mutual influences between the regions are analysed in its political implications and cultural foundations.
Students are required to attend the IP, which will be held at the University of Olomouc in the last week of June 2023. The organizing university for the IP is the University of Olomouc. The central IP topic is "No Europe for the Young," with subthemes including Orientations, Representations, and Actions.
Eurocompetence modules promote skills that are valuable for students entering the labor market. The modules develop language and presentation skills, critical analysis, research skills, and knowledge of the EU and related institutions. Eurocompetence II focuses on group work and the transfer of academic knowledge to non-academic parties through an independent project.
3. Semester Courses
The professional specialization track includes a work placement. The first semester university will assist with placement-related matters, and students are advised to start looking and applying for a placement during the first and/or start of the second semester. The work placement can start after the IP, in July, depending on the availability of the placement and when they want the student to start. Students should check with their first semester university for supervision and coordination of the placement.
The research specialization (track) within Europe is available to all students and is offered at most European consortium universities. Some institutions offer fixed research seminars and/or elective courses, while others offer an individual track with a researcher/research school based on the student's research interest. Students can take the European research specialization (track) at their first or second semester university, or at a third university. In March, students will receive a booklet with more information on the European Research Specialization tracks of the third semester.
4. Semester Courses
The MA thesis is an interdisciplinary research project on a topic related to the Euroculture program. The thesis must be written in English and follow the guidelines provided for its structure and content. Two supervisors, from the first and second universities, will supervise and evaluate the thesis. The MA thesis seminar is a group discussion of thesis progress and feedback. The seminar will take place regularly, but the frequency and organization may vary by university.
Eurocompetence III is a course in which students learn to write a professional or research project proposal. Students who did the professional specialization will write a professional project proposal, and those who did the research specialization will focus on a PhD proposal. The module includes theory, practical experience, and assessment. It will be offered at all universities in the Euroculture program.