Cultural and social studies

The BA "Cultural and Social Studies" (CuSo) is an English - and German-language BA program, which means that students with education from non-German speaking countries gradually acquire knowledge of German and knowledge of another foreign language (in addition to English, which is one of the languages of instruction). You will get to know the histories, structures and topics that define today‘s cultural and social world.

During the course of your studies you will familiarize with the objectives, questions and methods of the disciplines that study culture and society, specifically cultural history, literary study, linguistics and comparative social sciences.

While offering a profound consolidation in all four academic fields you later on specialize in interdisciplinary topic-based modules that focus on Media − Image, Text and Language; Difference – Migration, Gender and Diversity; and Europe/s – History, Culture, Politics.

This BA program is especially designed for international students with little or no German competences but is also open for all other students interested in pursuing their studies predominantly in English.

Module 1 & 2: "Cultural and Social Studies" Introduction|Consolidation

Beginning of the BA program in English

Module 1: Introduction (15 ECTS-Credits)
Module 2: Consolidation (15 ECTS-Credits)

• Lecture series: Overview of disciplinary approaches to culture and society - 6 ECTS
• Complementary seminar to the lecture series. Consolidation of theories and methods in all four disciplines of the Cultural and Social Sciences faculty - 9 ECTS

• Consolidation in Module 2: Seminars in Cultural and Social Studies in English language - 6 ECTS

Module 3 & 4: Elective Subjects

The main focus of your studies

Module 3: 30 ECTS-Credits | Module 4: 30 ECTS-Credits

Choose two out of three modules and complete four courses each:

• EUROPE/S – History, Culture, Politics
• MEDIA – Image, Text and Language
• DIFFERENCE – Migration, Gender and Diversity

The participation will be possible in English and/or German

Please note:
At least 6 ECTS need to be acquired in German (orally or written).

Module 5: Optional Module (thematic consolidation | Business Studies | Digital Societies)

Your Optional Choice

Module 5: 12 ECTS-Credits

Either a deepened focus on one of the topics offered in modules 3 and 4 by attending two more courses in these modules

OR

Take part in two courses in economics at the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics of Viadrina

OR

Take part in two courses in Digital Societies, offered in cooperation with the European New School of Viadrina

Either of the given options can be carried out in English or German

Module 6: Methods, Academic Writing and Research Skills

Module 6: 12 ECTS-Credits

In this module you will learn about academic methods and standards tailored to Social and Cultural Studies.

• Peer-Writing-Course (ideally in the 1st semester)
• Participation in one disciplinary colloquium (in German)
• Program-specific interdisciplinary colloquium to introduce the research design for your BA-thesis (towards the end of your studies)

Module 7: Language Skills

Module 7: 36 ECTS-Credits

For students without German as a native language (or without a German university entrance qualification - secondary school qualification, e.g. Abitur or equivalent):

• German (at least B2): We highly recommend all students to aspire a C1 level to be able to proceed a Master program in Germany).
• Competences on a B1 level in a second foreign language or a C1 level in English: Students with a native English background are excepted from choosing English as a foreign language.

For students with German as a native language (or with a German university entrance qualification - secondary school qualification, e.g. Abitur or equivalent):

• B2 level in a foreign language that is not English.
• Competences on a B1 level in a second foreign language or C1 in English.

Module 8: Practical Skills

Practical skills for employability

Module 8: 18 ECTS-Credits

• Minimum of a 4-week internship (6 ECTS) for all students:
  • You can acquire all 18 ECTS for this module with a 3-month internship abroad.
  • Students not having a German language background can acquire all 18 ECTS for this module abroad (ideally in a German-speaking country) or in Germany
  • Other practical skills offered in Workshops or practical seminars at the Viadrina in German language (recommendation for students without or with little competence in German).

Completion of Course of Study: BA-Thesis and Oral Examination

1. University entrance qualification (equivalent to the German "Abitur")
2. B2 certificate for English, accepted are the following:

• TOEFL (IBT not ITP) not less than 80 points
• Cambridge English Advanced, level B2
• Cambridge English First, Grade C
• IELTS (IELTS for Study): not less than 6.5
• Certificate UNIcert II

The degree gives you the ability to study and analyze complex cultural interrelationships. Through interdisciplinary insights as well as experiences abroad and in job-practice, you will also acquire important key qualifications and intercultural skills for a subsequent master's degree or direct career entry in a wide variety of industries: Culture and project management, press and public relations, journalism, education, NGOs, politics, business and human resources consulting, or marketing. The Viadrina bachelor‘s degree in Cultural and Social Studies opens doors to appealing career opportunities and paves your way to an international working environment.