Historical Linguistics (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)

In this self-contained bachelor’s programme on Historical Linguistics, Humboldt-Universit?t offers a unique area of specialisation within linguistic studies. The course deals intensively with the content and methods of German historical research into language and Historical-Comparative Linguistics (Indo-European Studies). No other German university offers a comparable, in-depth study of the changeability of language. Bachelor’s graduates may also continue their studies on the Historical Linguistics master’s programme at Humboldt-Universit?t.

Course objectives

• The aim of the course is to provide a grounding in subject-related knowledge and the methods and working techniques of Historical Linguistics. It provides a differentiated viewpoint of the phenomenon of language and linguistic change.
• The course’s specific requirements primarily develop the following key qualifications: networked and multi-factorial thinking; forming hypotheses under a scarcity of information; the ability to process and assimilate large quantities of data; research skills and the ability to approach complex issues in a structured and transparent manner. Further, the course promotes the capability to combine precision and attention to detail with substantial abstraction capability.
• The course prepares students for careers that involve linguistic communication and/or dealing with language: e.g. in the area of media/press/public relations, publishing, cultural management, training and business.
• The bachelor’s programme also creates the foundation for the next generation of academics.

Core subject Historical Linguistics with 120 CP

Mandatory Modules (80 CP)

Basic Studies
Module 01: Fundamentals of Linguistics, 9 CP
Module 02: Introduction to Historical Linguistics, 7 CP
Module 03: The Indo-European Language Family, 8 CP
Module 04: Foundations of Linguistic Change, 7 CP

In-depth studies
Specialisation by focusing on German Studies or Indo-European Studies

Specialisation in German Studies
Module 05: History of the German Language I, 9 CP
Module 06: History of the German Language II, 8 CP
Module 07: Linguistic Registers in Historical Flux, 8 CP
Module 08: Linguistic Variation, 7 CP
Module 09: Indo-European Linguistic Branches I, 7 CP
Module 10: Bachelor’s thesis, 10 CP

Specialisation in Indo-European Studies
Module 09: Indo-European Linguistic Branches I, 7 CP
Module 11: Indo-European Linguistic Branches II, 7 CP
Module 12: Sanskrit, 8 CP
Module 13: Research Topics in Indo-European Studies, 9 CP
Module 14: Language and Theory, 8 CP
Module 10: Bachelor’s thesis, 10 CP
 

Mandatory elective modules (20 CP)
Module 15: In-Depth Module/ Focusing, 10 CP
Module 17: Practical Orientation or
Module 18: Internship, each 10 CP
 

General elective modules (20 CP)
In addition to specialised study, Students acquire subject-specific, non-specialist and interdisciplinary key qualifications of 20 CP. The general elective modules can be chosen from the module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions (see: http://agnes.hu-berlin.de/).

Second subject Historical Linguistics with 60 CP

Mandatory Modules (60 CP)

Basic Studies
Modules 1 to 4 as in the core subject, in total 29 CP

In-depth studies
Specialisation by focusing on German Studies or Indo-European Studies

Specialisation in German Studies
Module 05: History of the German Language I, 9 CP
Module 06: History of the German Language II, 8 CP

Module 07: Linguistic Registers in Historical Flux or
Module 08: Linguistic Variation, each 7 CP

Module 16: In-Depth Module/ Focusing, 5 CP

Specialisation in Indo-European Studies
Module 09: Indo-European Linguistic Branches I, 7 CP
Module 12: Sanskrit, 8 CP
Module 13: Research Topics in Indo-European Studies, 9 CP
Module 16: In-Depth Module/ Focusing, 5 CP

General course offerings for students coming from other courses of studies

Module 26: Linguistic Variation and Language History,  5 CP
Module 28: Language development, 5 CP
Module 29: Indo-European Linguistic Branches III, 5 CP