MA Programme
MA Programme | Centre for Anglo-German Cultural Relations
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Introduction
The MA in Anglo-German Cultural Relations is the first of its kind in the UK and is an integral part of the new Centre for Anglo-German Cultural Relations. The programme, which takes place over two semesters, is on offer as both a full-time and part-time option. The programme consists of a Core Course, Theory and Practice of Anglo-German Cultural Transfers, plus a choice of two of the four optional modules. Students will also complete a dissertation. The programme enjoys the support of the German Embassy in London and Robert Bosch Ltd. UK.
Above: MA students Matthieu Honnefelder and Jamie Searle speaking at the German Ambassador's residence in London, on an occasion celebrating a donation for student support made by Robert Bosch UK Ltd. They are accompanied by his Excellency the German Ambassador to the United Kingdom Georg Boomgaarden and Professor Rüdiger Görner. The speeches delivered by Matthieu and Jamie can be found here [PDF 31KB].
Entry Requirements
BA in German/ Diploma/ Staatsexamen, German Bachelor of Arts Degree
The MA Programme
The programme will introduce students to the intrinsic complexities of the history of Anglo-German cultural relations since the late eighteenth century, and the current practices of cultural exchange between the two countries. The programme will offer students a unique opportunity to engage with practitioners from the media, publishing and cultural organisations and familiarize them with theoretical, critical and methodological questions in the field of cultural transfer.
We will introduce students to the study of cultural transfers and exchanges between Britain and Germany. We aim to engage students in reflecting on the development and significance of Anglo-German cultural relations, analysing history and current practice.
The core course focuses on the theory and practice of cultural transfers and brings students into contact with representatives of cultural institutions working in this field, through work experience placements.
It will make students aware of how to build on and deepen the skills and knowledge gained as undergraduates when analysing and assessing the various aspects of cultural transfers, such as the significance of translation relations, or patterns of mutual perception since 1800.
Core Course
Theory and Practice of Anglo-German Cultural Transfers
The conception ‘cultural transfer’ includes aspects of inter- and intra-cultural relations between (national) cultures that represent essentially hybrids. Research on cultural transfers began in the mid 1980s and focused initially on France and Germany integrating research on reception studies, intertextuality, translation studies and language teaching, This course endeavours to apply findings in this field to Anglo-German cultural relations and to engage you in describing these relations in terms of “transfer models” (Michel Espagne). It analyses the theory and history of Anglo-German cultural transfers from the late eighteenth century to the present day. The second part will bring you into contact with practitioners in this field and will introduce you to the reality of such transfers between cultures.
- This course will enable you to:
assess cutting edge research in the field of
cultural transfers - appreciate the historical developments
and transformations within Anglo-German
cultural relations and the reasons behind
these transformations - critically discuss the applicability of
(Franco-German) theory models on cultural
transfers to Anglo-German cultural relations - familiarise yourself with the variety of Anglo-
German cultural relations and to assess the
applicability of theoretical positions to the
practice of intercultural activities - experience aspects of the mediation of
culture and the culture of mediation
Optional Modules (choose two of the four)
Anglo-German Travel Writing
We explore the mutual perception of identity and culture of Germany and Britain as reflected by the various modes of travel writing (essay, letter, diary and the role of the literary journal) since the Enlightenment. It addresses the aesthetic and socio-cultural function of Anglo-German travel writing and examines its historical development.
In pursuit of prejudice? Mutual perceptions of identity
Prejudice, stereotypes, cliché-images often inform the representation of the ‘Other’ in the media, public and private discourse. This module attempts to identify and assess the impact of such stereotypes on Anglo-German relations.
Thinking Translation
Writers and critics return time and again to the implications of transfer between languages, or indeed between different media. We consider the ambiguous area where translated text seems to depart from its own nature and become ‘original’ writing, focusing particularly on German thought and texts in translation since Luther.
Anglo German Aesthetics in the “Long” Eighteenth Century
This module will undertake a comparative study of English and German aesthetic theory during the “long” eighteenth century (roughly 1670-1830), with a view to shedding light upon the ways in which intercultural transfers lead to new, trans-national developments in aesthetics.
Assessment
All modules will be assessed through essays in English or German: For the core course, you will be expected to produce 2,000 words on research methodology, plus two 3,000-word essays. You will also produce a 4,000-word essay for each of your other two modules. Your final dissertation will be between 10,000 and 12,000 words.
Further information
For further acadeimic information, please contact:
Professor Rüdiger Görner
Director, Centre for Anglo-German Cultural Relations
Queen Mary University of London
Mile End Road
London E1 4NS
Tel: (+44) 020 7882 8304
email: r.goerner@qmul.ac.uk
For admissions queries:
Tel: (+44) 020 7882 8331