MA Option: African-European Cultural Relations

MA programme in African-European Cultural Relations - 2019

The study of a foreign language comprises much more than the acquisition of communicative competencies. Foreign-language programmes are shifting towards including aspects of cultural competence, particularly at the academic level.

A growing need for intercultural mediators in multilateral governmental, non-governmental and business-related institutions has developed in the global arena. Sound language competence combined with knowledge of international affairs, cultural studies, history and a critical understanding of different cultural systems is a sought-after skills set in the rapidly expanding fields of international and cross-cultural affairs.

Since 2009, the University of Pretoria has collaborated with the top-ranking German University of Konstanz and their National Centre of Excellence: Cultural Foundations of Social Integration, to develop and implement the new programme. We closely collaborate with their MA programme "Studying European Culture".

In order to develop a truly interdisciplinary programme, representatives from multiple departments and faculties were involved in the implementation of the programme, among others Ancient Languages, Anthropology, English, History, Modern European Languages, Philosophy, Political Sciences, Religious Studies, Visual Arts and the Centre for Human Rights.

Although the main focus of the master's programme is the mini-dissertation, it also includes learning interventions that will equip students with the tools and skills required to conduct independent research of an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary nature in any one of five fields of specialisation.

Programme information:

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