German B.A., Gymnasium and Gesamtschule Teacher

 

In German the fundamentals of literary and cultural studies and linguistics are taught. Students are expected to simultaneously acquire the ability to work independently on texts and conduct research. To this end, they study two subjects equally: literary studies and linguistics.

Literary studies provide an overview of literary-historical eras, of cultural history, and genre theories. During studies, texts are analyzed according to different theories, organized according to historical genre, and placed according to historical issue. Furthermore, students are taught to recognize the roll of media control of texts and to work with visual media. Generally, appropriation and application of theories in literary studies should lead to responsible reflection of literary terms and the roll of literature and aesthetic experience with society.

During the linguistic portion of studies, students receive an overview of the history and theories of linguistic and communication studies. In addition to terminology, students become familiar with the basic questions in the subject and possible approaches to solutions. Furthermore, students learn to analyze linguistic units such from morpheme to text or discourse from a linguistic perspective. Finally, students will be able to understand the roll of language as a fundamental communication medium, that is not exhausted by the transfer of information.

German as a university subject differs from German as a school subject. During university studies, focus is placed on adapting to literary, linguistic, and communication work, that is greatly shaped by theories, reflected upon, and abstract. The acquired work techniques and methods prepare students for demands in later teaching careers. Transfer of these skills is primarily achieved during a practical semester during Master's studies later on and practical training.

 

Degree Content

The curriculum is broken down into modules. A module contains different courses on a joint topic. Studies start with basic modules on theoretical foundations of linguistic and communication studies, German literary studies, and Modern and Old German literature. In advanced modules, partial aspects of these fundamentals are investigated further: the breadth of topics ranges from linguistic and media theory, text analysis and interprepration, to word, text, and media skills. Courses on linguistic and German literary studies pedagogy teach students subject-specific methods for teaching content. Another focus is language acquisition in the German teacher training course of study. It qualifies students in voice physiology for a teaching career.

Study Abroad

The Faculty has several international partner universities with which it has well-established links, such as collaborations in teaching and research as well as exchange programs such as ERASMUS+. An overview of all RWTH Aachen exchange programs can be found at: Overview of Exchange Options. Information on the feasibility of stays abroad provides the Departmental Advisors.

 

Combination Possibilities

Two of the following instructional subjects are combined in studies for teachers at Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen: biology, chemistry, German, English, history, computer science, Catholic religious education, math, physics, technology education. Every subject can be equally combined with another. However, computer science and technology education cannot be combined with each other. Course of Study Model Lehramt at Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen

 

Decision Aids

Should I become a teacher? Do I want to work as a teacher? If you are asking yourself these questions, there are a few services to help you get to know yourself:

RWTH Aachen Self Assessment
All About Teacher Training
Career Counseling for Teachers
Fit für den Lehrerberuf

 

Prerequisites

Personal Prerequisites

Students in the German Teacher Training program must enjoy reading and writing and be able to do so easily. They require interest in people and their communication methods, must master the German language in both reading and writing, and be interested in new forms of communication and an interdisciplinary education. Students must be ready for theoretical reflection of communicative phenomena and to do so, require advanced English skills to understand current disciplinary literature. Last but not least, team work and tenacity are desirable prerequisites for a teaching career.

Enrollment Prerequisite

The RWTH Aachen "Lehramt" Self Assessment is an enrollment prerequisite for this course of study. You will need to submit your participation certificate when you enroll, but not in order to apply.

 

Career Prospects

You can find information from the NRW Ministry of Schools about the career prospects for various fields of teaching through 2039/40 in the brochure Prognoses on the Job Market for Teachers in North Rhine-Westphalia (de).

 

Master's Degree Prospects

After successfully completing the Bachelor degree, you can continue with the Master of Education (4 semesters). With this degree, you can start your teaching practice (This phase used to be called "Refendariat" instead of "Vorbereitungsdienst".)

Since your Bachelor degree opens up various futher education possibilities, you can - depending on your subject combination - persue other Master's programs. The respective exam board will decide whether or not you are qualified for a Master's that is not in the field of education.

 

Examination Regulations

Exam regulations regulate academic goals and prerequisites, the course of study layout, and exam procedures. The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

General Regulations: Comprehensive Exam Regulations of RWTH Aachen Bachelor Teaching Training for Gymnasien, Gesamtschulen, and Berufskollegs

Special Regulations: Subject Specific Exam Regulations (de) (The current version applies to all first year students.)

 

Faculty

Studies in German are offered by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.