Journalism and Media

 Ranging from the small local newspaper "Nordbayerischer Kurier" in Bayreuth to large, nationwide daily newspapers in Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin, from the small Bayreuth private radio station "Radio Mainwelle" to the national public broadcasting stations - this summer university course will appeal to anyone with an interest in media, enabling one to dive into the exciting world of journalism in Germany.

Intecultural Language Course

The language course in the morning equips you with the necessary linguistic and regional background knowledge for the in-depth specialised course in the afternoon.
Within each level, all courses deal with the following regional topics with varying degrees of difficulty:

• Germany Through Foreign Eyes
• Everyday Life in Germany
• Regional Variety
• Cultural Variety
• Germany in the World

"German as a foreign language" consists not only of vocabulary and correct sentence structure. Germans also structure their conversations in a particular way and adhere to a culture-specific set of values. This adherence to culture in communication is a particular focus. Therefore a connection between foreign language and foreign understanding is formed.
 
Before the start of the summer university, you will be allocated to the course which is most suitable for you by means of an assessment. You strengthen your German language skills through dealing with stylistics, idiomology, and vocabulary relevant to the issue. Aspects of German literature, culture, and society will be analysed and discussed. You can also give your own presentation if you wish.

Specialised Course „Journalism and Media Culture in Germany"

In this course, you will become familiar with regional aspects relating to media culture in Germany: What status does tabloid journalism have in Germany? Who reads weekly news magazines, who daily papers, who special interest magazines, and who prefers surfing the news portals on the internet? Which news aspects comprise an editorial department? Which kind of texts and articles are there? What is the everyday life of a journalist like? How is radio broadcasting structured? What is the relationship between private stations and those financed through licence fees? What does crossmedia journalism mean? In which direction is the media developing?
 
These are issues to be discussed, and questions that will be answered in the specialised course. Comparison with other countries will be of interest, and our own activities, for instance when the specialised course designs the summer uni blog.
 
Of course, a journalist does not exclusively spend time in front of the PC, at the cutting table, in the studio, or on the phone. He or she strives to get out there; after all, it is necessary to experience the issues first hand. Therefore the students will also attend small excursions, such as a trip to the print office of the local press, or to the editorial offices of the local media. 

Journalistic work: Compile the Summer University Blog

Work like editorial staff: All participants with a journalistic streak may express their writing talents. The attendees develop the concept, content, and layout of the "digital course newspaper" themselves.
Click here to take a look at our Summer University Blog.