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Discourse – Rhetoric - Argumentation (Master of Arts)

Official title Diskurs-Rhetorik-Argumentation
Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
Program length 4 semesters / 2 years (120 ECTS points)
Start Winter- and Summersemesters
Language of instruction German 

In the master’s program “Discourse – Rhetoric - Argumentation” you will receive a comprehensive education in discourse theory, discourse analysis, rhetoric, and argumentation theory. The program equips you to independently apply, critically reflect on, and further develop scientific methods and insights in the fields of discourse linguistics, rhetoric, and argumentation theory.
In the “Specialization and Research” track, you have the opportunity to expand your knowledge in a targeted manner and set your own areas of focus. You will discuss current research questions, work intensively through key foundational texts, or design a mentored self-study program. In addition, you can gain insights into data management in the humanities and social sciences or further deepen your knowledge of logic and argumentation.
In the “Practice” study area, you have the opportunity to independently apply the knowledge you have acquired regarding discourse-linguistic, rhetorical, and argumentation-theoretical approaches, as well as empirical methods, within the framework of an internship. You will reflect on the experiences gained in this process with regard to various professional contexts and classify them academically.
Additional modules specifically develop your rhetorical skills, your ability to analyze and shape discourse practices, and your capacity to communicate specialized academic content in a manner tailored to specific audiences within non-academic and societal contexts.

Objectives

Upon earning your degree, you will be able to independently address research questions in discourse theory, discourse analysis, rhetoric, and argumentation theory, teach rhetoric and argumentation skills, and conduct well-founded discourse analyses.
In addition, you will acquire in-depth methodological knowledge that you can also apply in other fields. Alongside advanced academic training, the degree program opens up opportunities for professional qualification in the following fields and institutions:
• Adult education
• Extracurricular education for children and youth
• Public relations and media
• Civic education
• Political consulting
• Cultural education institutions
Furthermore, the program paves the way for a doctoral degree in a research area related to speech science, rhetoric, linguistics, or communication studies, as well as for an academic career.
 

  • Admission requirements

    Required university degree

    We require proof that you have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree program in linguistics, rhetoric, speech science, or communication science, or proof of a corresponding domestic or international professional degree.

    If you have completed a bachelor’s degree program in the social sciences or humanities, you are only eligible for admission if you can demonstrate that you earned at least 48 LP in linguistics, rhetoric, speech science, communication science, or discourse theory during your bachelor’s program.

    The examination committee may make admission conditional upon the completion of additional coursework and/or examinations totaling no more than 18 LP. In this case, the duration of the program may be extended accordingly.
    Certifications of program-specific knowledge and skills to be submitted prior to admission

    We require proof of your English language proficiency at level B2* of the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages" established by the Council of Europe.

    International applicants must provide proof of German language proficiency. The required test is the German Language Test for University Admission, level DSH-2*.

    *You can find further information on how to provide proof of language proficiency via the linked website.
    Admission Mode The program is open (no admission quota). Direct admission is granted upon full fulfillment of the admission requirements.

  • Who can answer questions?

    Technical questions about your application

    Uni-assist

    Content-related questions about the program

    Eva Maria Gauß
    Deutschhausstr. 3
    Room: DG/ B221
    35037 Marburg

    Phone: (+49)6421 28-23030
    Email:
    Office hours: by appointment

    Formal questions about your application

    In case of formal questions about the application, please contact Master's Coordination with your application number (if available) at .

  • Application & Deadline

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