African Verbal and Visual Arts: Languages, Literatures, Media and Art (M.A.)
The Master’s programme African Verbal and Visual Arts (AVVA) is conceptualized as a continuation and immersion of the specialization fields offered in the Bachelor Programme African Visual and Verbal Arts (Languages, Literatures, Media and Art) at the University of Bayreuth. These are African Linguistics, Swahili Studies, Literatures in African Languages, and Media/Arts and Curational Studies in Africa.
In addition to gaining knowledge in African languages and linguistics, the programme now focuses on a deeper understanding of conditions and norms of language(s) in use; also in its mediated forms and social contexts. Hence, it is the primary goal of this programme to convey an enhanced comprehension of culturally encoded knowledge in its various applications and expressions in Africa.
Beside the focus on language, the programme also offers an intense engagement with theories and methodologies of literature, media, art and curatorial studies that further enriches the knowledge of various cultural verbal and visual expressions in Africa.
Contents & Structure
- OrganisationHide
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Duration
2 years (4 semesters) of full-time study or 4 years (8 semesters) of part-time study
Language of Instruction
English
Fields of Specialization
Students have to choose a field of specialization in the beginning of the programme, but latest by the second semester: 1 African Linguistics; 2 African Literatures; 3 Arts, Curational Studies and Media in Africa; 4 Swahili Studies; or 5 Multidisciplinary Studies (this option allows for an interdisciplinary immersion in several of these specialization fields).
Interdisciplinary modules
Interdisciplinary modules compulsory to everyone include theories, methods, and courses in two African languages (Bambara, Wolof, Swahili, isiXhosa or Arabic) that provide students with both academic and communicative skills.
- Programme ObjectivesHide
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The Master’s programme enables students to develop and specialize in their knowledge and critical thinking in the fields of Linguistics, Literatures, Media, Arts and Curation in Africa. They further deepen their knowledge in academic work routines and current research trends. In a final Master’s thesis, they will work on an individually chosen research topic in a field of specialization and thus prove their professional and methodological competence.
- Module Overview (PDF)
- Module handbook (PDF)
- Prüfungsordnung (Examination Regulations)
- Examination Regulations (English Version PDF)
- For enrolled students, further information is provided via e-learning.
The AVVA MA programme can also be studied part-time. For details please contact:
gabriele.sommer@uni-bayreuth.de - Professional PerspectivesHide
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Graduates of this Master’s programme qualify for further studies on PhD level in African Language Studies, Literatures in African Languages, and Media and Curation Studies in Africa. Besides a university career, the programme also prepares for working in applied areas especially within intercultural cooperation’s and cultural work (e.g. Goethe Institutes, foundations, museums); in the media (journalism and PR), in developmental work and in Africa-related businesses.
The focus on teaching in English carries forward the internationalization strategy and enables productive links to the Research Hub in African Studies at the University of Bayreuth.
- Participating Chairs and InstitutionsHide
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- African Linguistics I
- African Linguistics II
- Literatures in African Languages
- African and Afrophone Philosophies
- Iwalewahaus
- Language Centre
- Professorship of Media in Africa
- Professorship of English Studies and Anglophone Literatures
- Chair of Romance and Comparative Literary Studies with focus on Africa
- ApplicationHide
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Admission Requirements
Applicants should have an academic background in African Linguistics, African Literatures, Media in Africa, Curational Studies, or a related discipline.
You require at least a Bachelor grade point average of 2.5 or better (according to the German grading scale).
You must also have a sound command of written and spoken English (equivalent to B2+ European Framework of Reference for Languages).
This can be proven by certificates, degrees from an English tertiary institution, or BA theses written in English.
Commencing the AVVA programme is only possible for the winter term (October each year).
In addition, it is required to have some knowledge of German (level A1). This can also be obtained during the first year of studying in Bayreuth.
Application procedure
Application is always online (via campus online)
Please check below which regulations apply to you and how to apply
https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en/master/avva
The application period for international students is 15 April – 15 July (for the winter term)
- Accommodation
Please check the information provided by the International Office
- Funding
Please note that the department does not offer scholarships to students. It is advised to secure external funding, e.g., through one of the following sponsors.