Course summary

Lancaster’s joint German Studies and Politics degree is taught by the Department of Languages and Cultures in conjunction with the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. Your German Studies programme gives you the opportunity to acquire high-level language skills and gain a thorough understanding of the country’s historical, cultural, social and political background in a global context. In Politics, you will explore the themes, concepts and events that have shaped the contemporary world. Your first year comprises an exploration of the German language and its cultural context as well as the core module ‘Politics and the New World’, which introduces you to key themes such as the theory and practice of liberal democracy, globalisation and threats to international security. In addition, you will study a minor subject that complements your degree. Building on your language skills in Year 2, you will study the culture, politics and history of Germany and Austria in more depth, as well as selecting modules which are international in scope and promote a comparative understanding of Europe and beyond. In the second and fourth year students will be able to choose from a broad range of options, such as Politics and History of the Middle East; International Relations, Security and Sustainability; Politics of Development and Global Changes; Understanding Key Economic Concepts; Issues in Contemporary Politics and Philosophy. Spending your third year abroad in a German-speaking country gives you the opportunity to develop your language proficiency while deepening your intercultural sensitivity. You can study at a partner institution or conduct a work placement. In your final year, you consolidate your German language skills, and study specialist culture and comparative modules, such as Autocrats, Caudillos and Big Men: Understanding Dictatorship and its Cultural Representation in the 20th Century.