Introduction:
The Master Program in German as a Foreign Language “Deutsch als Fremdsprache (DaF)" offered by SAHSS was established in October 2006. Since then 108 students from 8 countries have successfully graduated. The program is supported by the DAAD with a number of scholarships.
The M.A program offers a theoretical foundation in linguistics, methods, and methodology, scientific and research work, technical language communication, literature, cultural studies, and combines it with a strong practical approach. The practical emphasis is possible and guaranteed through a network of cooperative partners. Students are able to train-on-the-job within the GJU at the Language Centre and in the Bachelor study programs of the university. These internships encourage students to develop their on-the-job-skills and gain an insight into possible future areas of employment.
Program outcomes:
At the end of the program, the graduates will be able to:
- reflect and identify aims and methods of the study field German as a Foreign Language as well as DaF-related scientific fields (e.g. linguistics, culture studies, media methodology).
- possess a solid and profound knowledge of German cultural studies and German-speaking countries and will be able to illustrate and teach their knowledge to students and pupils of the German language in the Near and Middle East and Northern Africa.
- recognize, understand, interpret, explain and analyze various teaching and learning problems.
- explain and teach German language and culture and convey their knowledge in comparison and contrast to other languages and learning traditions. Furthermore, they will be able to analyze and reflect their own learning traditions.
- develop a high level of cultural competence and will be able to analyze cultural patterns of interpretation.
- develop strong qualifications to work independently in the academic-scientific research sector, as they will have internalized the different scientific methods and practical applications.
- apply their knowledge and deepen it during their own professional postgraduate experience and further education program
Program outcomes:
- At the end of the program, the graduates will be able to:
- reflect and identify aims and methods of the study field German as a Foreign Language as well as DaF-related scientific fields (e.g. linguistics, culture studies, media methodology).
- possess a solid and profound knowledge of German cultural studies and German-speaking countries and will be able to illustrate and teach their knowledge to students and pupils of the German language in the Near and Middle East and Northern Africa.
- recognize, understand, interpret, explain and analyze various teaching and learning problems.
- explain and teach the German language and culture and convey their knowledge in comparison and contrast to other languages and learning traditions. Furthermore, they will be able to analyze and reflect on their own learning traditions.
- develop a high level of cultural competence and will be able to analyze cultural patterns of interpretation.
- develop strong qualifications to work independently in the academic-scientific research sector, as they will have internalized the different scientific methods and practical applications.
- apply their knowledge and deepen it during their own professional postgraduate experience and further education programs.
Target group:
Bachelor's or equal academic degree in German language, literature or cultural studies with at least a rank of “good” from a recognized university, not older than 6 years; OR Bachelor's or equal academic degree in the educational field, in translation and interpretation science (compulsory language: German) or in any other specific field of interest for the German-Jordanian University; German language skills at an intermediate level (B2), to be verified through the official German language exams TestDaF (level 12) or on DaF (B2) or by the certificate B2 of the Goethe Institute or ÖSD; these certificates should not be older than 1 year; Interested in German language and culture as well as in teaching German language and culture, to be demonstrated in the selection process; other criteria upon the suggestion of the Department Council and a recommendation from the Council of Graduate Studies and a Deans Council decision, such as academic behavior.
Employment and Career Prospects
Graduates of the M.A. program German as a Foreign Language are qualified to work as German language teachers in several institutions in the MENA region, such as (German) universities, in particular at the GJU, schools resp. German schools abroad, Goethe Institutes, or private language schools. Furthermore, they can work in German embassies, non-governmental organizations as e.g. foundations and companies; they can be employed as cultural mediators; in the field of cultural policy, or in the field of media and publishing. Another option for graduates is to pursue postgraduate research in DaF or related subjects and obtaining a Ph.D.
