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Language skills
required, minimum level of B2
Programme length
2 years.
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
Overview

  • Would you like to become a qualified teacher?
  • Do you want to learn more about general pedagogy and the specific pedagogy of teaching second languages?
  • Would you like to teach German in Icelandic upper secondary schools?
  • Are you considering graduate studies?

This is a vocational programme for current and prospective German teachers in Icelandic upper secondary schools. It also prepares students to work in positions involving oversight of German teaching in schools or education districts.

The programme is organised and taught in cooperation with the School of Education. Students complete 60 ECTS in teacher education and 60 ECTS in German.

Programme structure

The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.

The programme is made up of:

  • Mandatory courses, 55 ECTS
  • Student placements, 10 ECTS
  • Elective courses, 25 ECTS
  • Final project, 30 ECTS

Organisation of teaching

The programme is taught in German and Icelandic.

The programme includes student training placements. Training takes place in upper secondary schools during normal school hours. During a placement, students are required to be present in the host school for significant periods.

See further information on the structure of the MA programme in upper secondary school teaching.

Main objectives

The programme aims to provide students with: 

  • knowledge of general pedagogy, significant knowledge of the pedagogy of second language teaching, and the ability to consider different policies and trends and the development of the subject.
  • knowledge of the prerequisites for language acquisition, the nature of second and foreign language acquisition, and bilingualism and its effects on language development, literacy and learning. Students also learn about the social, psychological and learning-related factors that affect language education and language proficiency.
  • the ability to plan German lessons for compulsory and upper secondary schools, find teaching material, select teaching methods, prepare assignments and determine assessment methods.

Other

Completing this programme qualifies a student to use the professional title of teacher.

Completing the programme allows you to apply for doctoral studies.

A BA-degree in German, or a B.Ed. degree, with a grade average of at least 7.25 (first class) and a BA-thesis, gives access to the MA programme. Those with a B.Ed. degree must however complete selected BA courses before commencing on to the MA level.

After completing a programme in teacher education at an Icelandic university, a teacher should have reached a level of competence in Icelandic that corresponds to a minimum of C1 according to the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR).

120 ECTS have to be completed for the qualification; 60 ECTS Teaching Education, 30 ECTS in courses and a 30 ECTS research project (MA Thesis).

The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:
  • Statement of purpose
  • Reference 1, Name and email
  • Reference 2, Name and email
  • Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts

Further information on supporting documents can be found here

Programme structure

Check below to see how the programme is structured.

This programme does not offer specialisations.

First year | Fall
Foreign language teaching and practical training 1 (ÍET105F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
5 fieldwork credits
Course Description

Students become acquainted with the structure of study programs and the goal setting of studies in their field. The aim is for the student teacher to be able to plan and prepare a course with a course description and learning outcomes with a connection to the learning level of learning, key skills and the basic elements of the education. Emphasis is placed on the growing demand in learning outcomes of Compulsory and Upper Secondary school level towards specialization with further studies in mind or participation in the business life of subjects that fall under arts and design. Assignments in the course are integrated with the practical training. Within the course students receive training in teaching and interacting with students and an introduction to school culture and working procedures. Each student is allotted a secondary school where they spend an allocated time under supervision during both autumn and spring terms. The training is connected to the course Introduction to Teaching and Learning so these courses should be taken simultaneously.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
First year | Fall
Introduction to Teaching (KEN104F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The aim of the course is to give students an insight into main theories and research of learning and teaching (Icelandic and international). Main topics of the course are theories and research on learning and teaching, teachers' professionalism, teaching methods, and assessment.

The main field of work for graduates will be in upper secondary school, and this fact will determine the selection of learning tasks.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
First year | Spring 1
Foreign language teaching and practical training 2 (ÍET211F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
5 fieldwork credits
Course Description

Students become acquainted with the structure of study programs and the goal setting of studies in their field. The aim is for the student teacher to be able to plan and prepare a course with a course description and learning outcomes with a connection to the learning level of learning, key skills and the basic elements of the education. Emphasis is placed on the growing demand in learning outcomes of Compulsory and Upper Secondary school level towards specialization with further studies in mind or participation in the business life of subjects that fall under arts and design. Assignments in the course are integrated with the practical training. Within the course students receive training in teaching and interacting with students and an introduction to school culture and working procedures. Each student is allotted a secondary school where they spend an allocated time under supervision during both autumn and spring terms.

The training is connected to the course Curriculum and School Development in Secondary Schools and these two courses should be taken simultaneously.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
First year | Spring 1
Curriculum and School Development in Secondary Schools (KEN213F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

This course is about curriculum theory and educational policy with emphasis on the curriculum, student body and school development in Icelandic upper secondary schools.

Assignments are designed to enable students to work as professionals on the development of school practice, curricula, and policies.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Second year | Fall
German Cultural History A (ÞÝS104F, ÞÝS702F)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Goal of the course is to provide an overview of German cultural history from Bach to present age. The history of ideas will be described through the prism of literature, music, art, and science, and the interdisciplinary nature of the relationship between these areas will be the basis of analysis. Certain thinkers, poets and artists are highlighted as representative of specific currents (such as Baroque and Romanticism). Students will write an academic paper on a subject of their choice, but students of Applied Studies in German in Tourism and Communication may choose an assignment concerning the presentation of Icelandic culture to German-speaking audiences.

Those students who have already finished the course ÞÝS702F German and Intercultural Communication do not need to take this course, but students in the programme MA in German and MA in German Tourism and Communitation can take it as an elective course.

Language of instruction: German
Face-to-face learning
Second year | Fall
German Cultural History B (ÞÝS104F, ÞÝS702F)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Goal of the course is to provide an overview of German cultural history from Bach to present age. The history of ideas will be described through the prism of literature, music, art, and science, and the interdisciplinary nature of the relationship between these areas will be the basis of analysis. Certain thinkers, poets and artists are highlighted as representative of specific currents (such as Baroque and Romanticism). Students will write an academic paper on a subject of their choice, but students of Applied Studies in German in Tourism and Communication may choose an assignment concerning the presentation of Icelandic culture to German-speaking audiences.

However, those students in the programme German Teaching, MA who have completed either ÞÝS702F German and Intercultural Communication or ÞÝS104F German Cultural History from Bach to Present Age do not take this course, whereas students in the programmes German, MA and Applied Studies in German in Tourism and Communication, MA can take this course as an elective course even if they have completed the above-mentioned courses.

Language of instruction: German
Face-to-face learning
Second year | Fall
Language Usage and Expression: German (ÞÝS703F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Practical exercises in grammar, text analysis, writing and oral presentation for master students.

Language of instruction: German
Second year | Fall
Languages and Culture I (MOM301F)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

This course concerns the diverse connections between culture and language, as seen from the perspective of cultural history, social sciences and linguistics. Ancient and modern world languages will be introduced and their origins, influence and effects investigated. Written and spoken language will be discussed: what sorts of things are written, why and how? Rules and alternate perspectives on the nature of langauge will be considered, raising the question of how we understand man with respect to thought and language.

Language of instruction: English
Not taught this semester
Second year | Fall
On the trail of Literature and Culture in Austria, Germany and Switzerland (ÞÝS701M)
Free elective course within the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

In this course there will be discussions about culture and literature in German speaking countries, focusing on tourism and media.

Language of instruction: German
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Second year | Spring 1
German as a Foreign Language in Iceland (ÞÝS003F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The course will focus on deepening the knowledge about and the practical application of basic learning and teaching methods in German as a Foreign Language. The class will also look at how German teaching methodology in the new teaching approaches has changed and developed until now. These changes include new types of assignments, new approaches for testing and evaluation as well as a stronger emphasis on learners' articulation skills and, also, new approaches in intercultural and self-guided learning. To be discussed is also the question of which contents and methods most appeal to Icelandic students. The work in the course is based on group discussions, presentations and class discussion.

Language of instruction: German
Second year | Spring 1
Political System, History and Culture: German (ÞÝS804F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The political system, history and culture of the German-speaking countries. It is assumed that students already have some basic knowledge of these fields.

Language of instruction: German
Second year | Spring 1
Blitz aus heiterem Himmel: Practical Contrastive Analysis of Icelandic and German (ÞÝS808M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The course deals with selected aspects of Icelandic and German on the basis of contrastive analysis and with a practical orientation.

Language of instruction: German
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Second year | Spring 1
Language Usage and Expression II (ÞÝS808F)
Free elective course within the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

This course is the continuation of ÞÝS703F Language Usage and Expression. It is based on practical exercises in grammar, text analysis, writing and oral presentation for master students.

Language of instruction: German
Second year | Spring 1
Languages and Culture II: The European Intellectual Tradition (MOM402M)
Free elective course within the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The European intellectual tradition is characterized by the strong links between academia and society. Many of the most important European thinkers of the 19th and 20th Centuries worked outside of the universities – and many of those who did pursue an ordinary academic career also were public commentators frequently intervening in political discussion of the day and in some cases gaining considerable influence. In this course we present a selection of European thinkers who have been important both as scholars and as public intellectuals. We read and discuss samples of their work and look at critical discussion of their ideas. We also reflect on the time and place of the "European" – to what extent their work is quinessentially Eurocentric and to what extent awareness of cultural contingency emerges.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Second year | Summer
A Summer Course in Germany (ÞÝS007F)
Free elective course within the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Students choose a summer course at a university or an approved language school in a German-speaking country on the advice of the German teachers. The course must be at level C1 or higher and, as a rule, cover at least 80 teaching units (of 45 minutes). The University of Iceland does not participate in the costs of attending the course.

Language of instruction: German
Second year | Year unspecified
MA-thesis in German Teaching (ÞÝS331L, ÞÝS331L)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
0/0 ECTS, credits
Course Description

MA-thesis in German teaching.

Language of instruction: German
Part of the total project/thesis credits
Second year | Year unspecified
MA-thesis in German Teaching (ÞÝS331L, ÞÝS331L)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
0/0 ECTS, credits
Course Description

MA-thesis in German teaching.

Language of instruction: German
Part of the total project/thesis credits
First year
  • Fall
  • ÍET105F
    Foreign language teaching and practical training 1
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    5 fieldwork credits
    Course Description

    Students become acquainted with the structure of study programs and the goal setting of studies in their field. The aim is for the student teacher to be able to plan and prepare a course with a course description and learning outcomes with a connection to the learning level of learning, key skills and the basic elements of the education. Emphasis is placed on the growing demand in learning outcomes of Compulsory and Upper Secondary school level towards specialization with further studies in mind or participation in the business life of subjects that fall under arts and design. Assignments in the course are integrated with the practical training. Within the course students receive training in teaching and interacting with students and an introduction to school culture and working procedures. Each student is allotted a secondary school where they spend an allocated time under supervision during both autumn and spring terms. The training is connected to the course Introduction to Teaching and Learning so these courses should be taken simultaneously.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • KEN104F
    Introduction to Teaching
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The aim of the course is to give students an insight into main theories and research of learning and teaching (Icelandic and international). Main topics of the course are theories and research on learning and teaching, teachers' professionalism, teaching methods, and assessment.

    The main field of work for graduates will be in upper secondary school, and this fact will determine the selection of learning tasks.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Spring 2
  • ÍET211F
    Foreign language teaching and practical training 2
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    5 fieldwork credits
    Course Description

    Students become acquainted with the structure of study programs and the goal setting of studies in their field. The aim is for the student teacher to be able to plan and prepare a course with a course description and learning outcomes with a connection to the learning level of learning, key skills and the basic elements of the education. Emphasis is placed on the growing demand in learning outcomes of Compulsory and Upper Secondary school level towards specialization with further studies in mind or participation in the business life of subjects that fall under arts and design. Assignments in the course are integrated with the practical training. Within the course students receive training in teaching and interacting with students and an introduction to school culture and working procedures. Each student is allotted a secondary school where they spend an allocated time under supervision during both autumn and spring terms.

    The training is connected to the course Curriculum and School Development in Secondary Schools and these two courses should be taken simultaneously.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • KEN213F
    Curriculum and School Development in Secondary Schools
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course is about curriculum theory and educational policy with emphasis on the curriculum, student body and school development in Icelandic upper secondary schools.

    Assignments are designed to enable students to work as professionals on the development of school practice, curricula, and policies.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Fall
  • ÞÝS104F, ÞÝS702F
    German Cultural History A
    Restricted elective course
    5
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Goal of the course is to provide an overview of German cultural history from Bach to present age. The history of ideas will be described through the prism of literature, music, art, and science, and the interdisciplinary nature of the relationship between these areas will be the basis of analysis. Certain thinkers, poets and artists are highlighted as representative of specific currents (such as Baroque and Romanticism). Students will write an academic paper on a subject of their choice, but students of Applied Studies in German in Tourism and Communication may choose an assignment concerning the presentation of Icelandic culture to German-speaking audiences.

    Those students who have already finished the course ÞÝS702F German and Intercultural Communication do not need to take this course, but students in the programme MA in German and MA in German Tourism and Communitation can take it as an elective course.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    ÞÝS104F, ÞÝS702F
    German Cultural History B
    Restricted elective course
    5
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Goal of the course is to provide an overview of German cultural history from Bach to present age. The history of ideas will be described through the prism of literature, music, art, and science, and the interdisciplinary nature of the relationship between these areas will be the basis of analysis. Certain thinkers, poets and artists are highlighted as representative of specific currents (such as Baroque and Romanticism). Students will write an academic paper on a subject of their choice, but students of Applied Studies in German in Tourism and Communication may choose an assignment concerning the presentation of Icelandic culture to German-speaking audiences.

    However, those students in the programme German Teaching, MA who have completed either ÞÝS702F German and Intercultural Communication or ÞÝS104F German Cultural History from Bach to Present Age do not take this course, whereas students in the programmes German, MA and Applied Studies in German in Tourism and Communication, MA can take this course as an elective course even if they have completed the above-mentioned courses.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • ÞÝS703F
    Language Usage and Expression: German
    Mandatory (required) course
    5
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Practical exercises in grammar, text analysis, writing and oral presentation for master students.

    Prerequisites
  • MOM301F
    Languages and Culture I
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course concerns the diverse connections between culture and language, as seen from the perspective of cultural history, social sciences and linguistics. Ancient and modern world languages will be introduced and their origins, influence and effects investigated. Written and spoken language will be discussed: what sorts of things are written, why and how? Rules and alternate perspectives on the nature of langauge will be considered, raising the question of how we understand man with respect to thought and language.

    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    ÞÝS701M
    On the trail of Literature and Culture in Austria, Germany and Switzerland
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    In this course there will be discussions about culture and literature in German speaking countries, focusing on tourism and media.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
  • Spring 2
  • ÞÝS003F
    German as a Foreign Language in Iceland
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course will focus on deepening the knowledge about and the practical application of basic learning and teaching methods in German as a Foreign Language. The class will also look at how German teaching methodology in the new teaching approaches has changed and developed until now. These changes include new types of assignments, new approaches for testing and evaluation as well as a stronger emphasis on learners' articulation skills and, also, new approaches in intercultural and self-guided learning. To be discussed is also the question of which contents and methods most appeal to Icelandic students. The work in the course is based on group discussions, presentations and class discussion.

    Prerequisites
  • ÞÝS804F
    Political System, History and Culture: German
    Mandatory (required) course
    5
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The political system, history and culture of the German-speaking countries. It is assumed that students already have some basic knowledge of these fields.

    Prerequisites
  • ÞÝS808M
    Blitz aus heiterem Himmel: Practical Contrastive Analysis of Icelandic and German
    Mandatory (required) course
    5
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course deals with selected aspects of Icelandic and German on the basis of contrastive analysis and with a practical orientation.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
  • ÞÝS808F
    Language Usage and Expression II
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course is the continuation of ÞÝS703F Language Usage and Expression. It is based on practical exercises in grammar, text analysis, writing and oral presentation for master students.

    Prerequisites
  • MOM402M
    Languages and Culture II: The European Intellectual Tradition
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The European intellectual tradition is characterized by the strong links between academia and society. Many of the most important European thinkers of the 19th and 20th Centuries worked outside of the universities – and many of those who did pursue an ordinary academic career also were public commentators frequently intervening in political discussion of the day and in some cases gaining considerable influence. In this course we present a selection of European thinkers who have been important both as scholars and as public intellectuals. We read and discuss samples of their work and look at critical discussion of their ideas. We also reflect on the time and place of the "European" – to what extent their work is quinessentially Eurocentric and to what extent awareness of cultural contingency emerges.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
  • Summer
  • ÞÝS007F
    A Summer Course in Germany
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Students choose a summer course at a university or an approved language school in a German-speaking country on the advice of the German teachers. The course must be at level C1 or higher and, as a rule, cover at least 80 teaching units (of 45 minutes). The University of Iceland does not participate in the costs of attending the course.

    Prerequisites
  • Year unspecified
  • ÞÝS331L, ÞÝS331L
    MA-thesis in German Teaching
    Mandatory (required) course
    0/0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0/0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    MA-thesis in German teaching.

    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits
  • ÞÝS331L, ÞÝS331L
    MA-thesis in German Teaching
    Mandatory (required) course
    0/0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0/0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    MA-thesis in German teaching.

    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits
Second year
  • Fall
  • ÍET105F
    Foreign language teaching and practical training 1
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    5 fieldwork credits
    Course Description

    Students become acquainted with the structure of study programs and the goal setting of studies in their field. The aim is for the student teacher to be able to plan and prepare a course with a course description and learning outcomes with a connection to the learning level of learning, key skills and the basic elements of the education. Emphasis is placed on the growing demand in learning outcomes of Compulsory and Upper Secondary school level towards specialization with further studies in mind or participation in the business life of subjects that fall under arts and design. Assignments in the course are integrated with the practical training. Within the course students receive training in teaching and interacting with students and an introduction to school culture and working procedures. Each student is allotted a secondary school where they spend an allocated time under supervision during both autumn and spring terms. The training is connected to the course Introduction to Teaching and Learning so these courses should be taken simultaneously.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • KEN104F
    Introduction to Teaching
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The aim of the course is to give students an insight into main theories and research of learning and teaching (Icelandic and international). Main topics of the course are theories and research on learning and teaching, teachers' professionalism, teaching methods, and assessment.

    The main field of work for graduates will be in upper secondary school, and this fact will determine the selection of learning tasks.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Spring 2
  • ÍET211F
    Foreign language teaching and practical training 2
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    5 fieldwork credits
    Course Description

    Students become acquainted with the structure of study programs and the goal setting of studies in their field. The aim is for the student teacher to be able to plan and prepare a course with a course description and learning outcomes with a connection to the learning level of learning, key skills and the basic elements of the education. Emphasis is placed on the growing demand in learning outcomes of Compulsory and Upper Secondary school level towards specialization with further studies in mind or participation in the business life of subjects that fall under arts and design. Assignments in the course are integrated with the practical training. Within the course students receive training in teaching and interacting with students and an introduction to school culture and working procedures. Each student is allotted a secondary school where they spend an allocated time under supervision during both autumn and spring terms.

    The training is connected to the course Curriculum and School Development in Secondary Schools and these two courses should be taken simultaneously.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • KEN213F
    Curriculum and School Development in Secondary Schools
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course is about curriculum theory and educational policy with emphasis on the curriculum, student body and school development in Icelandic upper secondary schools.

    Assignments are designed to enable students to work as professionals on the development of school practice, curricula, and policies.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Fall
  • ÞÝS104F, ÞÝS702F
    German Cultural History A
    Restricted elective course
    5
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Goal of the course is to provide an overview of German cultural history from Bach to present age. The history of ideas will be described through the prism of literature, music, art, and science, and the interdisciplinary nature of the relationship between these areas will be the basis of analysis. Certain thinkers, poets and artists are highlighted as representative of specific currents (such as Baroque and Romanticism). Students will write an academic paper on a subject of their choice, but students of Applied Studies in German in Tourism and Communication may choose an assignment concerning the presentation of Icelandic culture to German-speaking audiences.

    Those students who have already finished the course ÞÝS702F German and Intercultural Communication do not need to take this course, but students in the programme MA in German and MA in German Tourism and Communitation can take it as an elective course.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    ÞÝS104F, ÞÝS702F
    German Cultural History B
    Restricted elective course
    5
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Goal of the course is to provide an overview of German cultural history from Bach to present age. The history of ideas will be described through the prism of literature, music, art, and science, and the interdisciplinary nature of the relationship between these areas will be the basis of analysis. Certain thinkers, poets and artists are highlighted as representative of specific currents (such as Baroque and Romanticism). Students will write an academic paper on a subject of their choice, but students of Applied Studies in German in Tourism and Communication may choose an assignment concerning the presentation of Icelandic culture to German-speaking audiences.

    However, those students in the programme German Teaching, MA who have completed either ÞÝS702F German and Intercultural Communication or ÞÝS104F German Cultural History from Bach to Present Age do not take this course, whereas students in the programmes German, MA and Applied Studies in German in Tourism and Communication, MA can take this course as an elective course even if they have completed the above-mentioned courses.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • ÞÝS703F
    Language Usage and Expression: German
    Mandatory (required) course
    5
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Practical exercises in grammar, text analysis, writing and oral presentation for master students.

    Prerequisites
  • MOM301F
    Languages and Culture I
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course concerns the diverse connections between culture and language, as seen from the perspective of cultural history, social sciences and linguistics. Ancient and modern world languages will be introduced and their origins, influence and effects investigated. Written and spoken language will be discussed: what sorts of things are written, why and how? Rules and alternate perspectives on the nature of langauge will be considered, raising the question of how we understand man with respect to thought and language.

    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    ÞÝS701M
    On the trail of Literature and Culture in Austria, Germany and Switzerland
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    In this course there will be discussions about culture and literature in German speaking countries, focusing on tourism and media.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
  • Spring 2
  • ÞÝS003F
    German as a Foreign Language in Iceland
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course will focus on deepening the knowledge about and the practical application of basic learning and teaching methods in German as a Foreign Language. The class will also look at how German teaching methodology in the new teaching approaches has changed and developed until now. These changes include new types of assignments, new approaches for testing and evaluation as well as a stronger emphasis on learners' articulation skills and, also, new approaches in intercultural and self-guided learning. To be discussed is also the question of which contents and methods most appeal to Icelandic students. The work in the course is based on group discussions, presentations and class discussion.

    Prerequisites
  • ÞÝS804F
    Political System, History and Culture: German
    Mandatory (required) course
    5
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The political system, history and culture of the German-speaking countries. It is assumed that students already have some basic knowledge of these fields.

    Prerequisites
  • ÞÝS808M
    Blitz aus heiterem Himmel: Practical Contrastive Analysis of Icelandic and German
    Mandatory (required) course
    5
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course deals with selected aspects of Icelandic and German on the basis of contrastive analysis and with a practical orientation.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
  • ÞÝS808F
    Language Usage and Expression II
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course is the continuation of ÞÝS703F Language Usage and Expression. It is based on practical exercises in grammar, text analysis, writing and oral presentation for master students.

    Prerequisites
  • MOM402M
    Languages and Culture II: The European Intellectual Tradition
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The European intellectual tradition is characterized by the strong links between academia and society. Many of the most important European thinkers of the 19th and 20th Centuries worked outside of the universities – and many of those who did pursue an ordinary academic career also were public commentators frequently intervening in political discussion of the day and in some cases gaining considerable influence. In this course we present a selection of European thinkers who have been important both as scholars and as public intellectuals. We read and discuss samples of their work and look at critical discussion of their ideas. We also reflect on the time and place of the "European" – to what extent their work is quinessentially Eurocentric and to what extent awareness of cultural contingency emerges.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
  • Summer
  • ÞÝS007F
    A Summer Course in Germany
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Students choose a summer course at a university or an approved language school in a German-speaking country on the advice of the German teachers. The course must be at level C1 or higher and, as a rule, cover at least 80 teaching units (of 45 minutes). The University of Iceland does not participate in the costs of attending the course.

    Prerequisites
  • Year unspecified
  • ÞÝS331L, ÞÝS331L
    MA-thesis in German Teaching
    Mandatory (required) course
    0/0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0/0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    MA-thesis in German teaching.

    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits
  • ÞÝS331L, ÞÝS331L
    MA-thesis in German Teaching
    Mandatory (required) course
    0/0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0/0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    MA-thesis in German teaching.

    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits

The timetable shown below is for the current academic year and is FOR REFERENCE ONLY.

Changes may occur for the autumn semester in August and September and for the spring semester in December and January. You will find your final timetable in Ugla when the studies start.

Note! This timetable is not suitable for planning your work schedule if you are a part-time employee.




Additional information

The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.

Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.

Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.

  • German teaching in Icelandic upper secondary schools
  • oversight of teaching in schools or education districts
  • department and subject leadership
  • continuing education

This list is not exhaustive.

  • Linguae is the organisation for language students at the University of Iceland 
  • Linguae organises social events for students at the Faculty of Languages and Cultures 
  • Members currently include students of Italian, French, German, Spanish, Danish, Chinese and Russian 
  • Linguae runs a Facebook group and a Facebook page

More about the UI student's social life.

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