Multilingualism Studies

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  The master programme in Multilingualism Studies comprises five modules:

  1. The first module gives students the theoretical foundations upon which to study the historical, individual and social components of linguistic diversity;
  2. The second module goes deeper into psycholinguistic dimensions. It thus focuses on the development of language skills and the cognitive aspects of multilingual acquisition;
  3. The third module explores sociolinguistic dimensions. It focuses on power issues and political, anthropological and economic aspects of languages;
  4. Designed to help students apply theoretical knowledge to ground realities, the central hub of the fourth module is an internship accompanied by seminars;
  5. At the end of the study programme, students write a thesis. This gives them the opportunity to explore research issues using scientific tools. The choice of subject is open.

  Rhaeto-Romance option
  Students who choose the Rhaeto-Romance option benefit from a dedicated module enabling them to expand their methodological knowledge in linguistics and literature, which they then put to work in the form of empirical research. A module focused on practical aspects is dedicated to individual, social and legal aspects of multilingualism in the Swiss canton of Grisons, with a special focus on the promotion and institutional use of Rhaeto-Romance in addition to documentation of this language from both a historical and contemporary viewpoint. Both seminar papers and the master's thesis are related to Rhaeto-Romance.

  Fribourg profile
  Ideally integrated in the multilingual environment of Fribourg and Switzerland, in keeping with the subject, the study programme in Multilingualism Studies provides teaching in French and German, as well as in bilingual, or even trilingual, mode, with much of the documentation studied being in English.

  This study programme is held in close cooperation with the Institute of Multilingualism of the university and the University of Teacher Education, Fribourg, which was established as a Research Centre on Multilingualism by mandate of the Federal Council.

  This collaboration allows students to enjoy a number of international events, to carry out an internship in a stimulating environment, depending on openings, and to find, in the documentation centre and the foreign language library, the majority of journals and scientific publications they need to successfully conclude their studies.

  Career openings
  The master study programme prepares graduates for a research career at universities, academic or teacher training institutes within areas related to multilingualism. Depending on ongoing projects, our graduates integrate the Institute of Multilingualism or the Research Centre on Multilingualism. This study programme is a useful specialisation for graduates from teaching, development or consultancy training institutes at different levels. Master's graduates may thus capitalise on this specialisation within institutions dedicated to integration and exchange programmes or jobs in the communication department of companies or multinational organisations.

  The Rhaeto-Romance option opens up a variety of opportunities, ranging from administrative jobs in the canton of Grisons or in cultural and linguistic institutions, bilingual schools or the media to positions in the federal administration, universities and other academic institutes, as well as in national research projects.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Comments

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen