German-language degree program "Culture and Media" in Dushanbe

Funded as part of the funding program "German-language degree programs in CEE/CIS" by:

Project period: 01.01.2019 to 31.12.2024

Project leader: Prof. Dr. Holger Kuße

Project staff members:
Marianna Novosolova, M.A. (Research Associate)
Melissa Otto (SHK)

Cooperation partners:
RTSU(Russian-Tajik Slavic University) in Dushanbe

The main aim of the project is to develop and establish a German-language Master's degree program in "Culture and Media" at the (RTSU) in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) as the first foreign-language degree program ever at this university. The German-language MA program "Culture and Media" is primarily aimed at graduates of the BA program in German Studies. German language skills and an interest in German studies are a prerequisite for admission. The call for applications is open nationwide.

In detail, the project aims to achieve the following results:

• Transdisciplinary orientation and conception at the intersection of cultural studies and communication studies and thus close cooperation between different departments at RTSU. Involved are:
  • the Chair of Television and Broadcasting
  • the Chair of Romance-Germanic Languages
  • the Chair of Cultural Studies
  • the International Department
• Integration of fundamental concepts, terms and methods of Cultural Studies (Department of Culture) and Communication Studies (Department of Media) together with the Department of German Language to form a unified interdisciplinary field of research and study.

• Homogenization of the language level through continuous language training; at least 70% of teaching should be conducted in German. The intention is to recruit a dedicated DAAD lecturer who will be involved in language training as part of the Master's degree program.

• Seamless transition of RTSU from a traditional "closed" university standard to an "open" university system.

• Support for stays abroad at TU Dresden and other European universities.

• Future DAAD-independent implementation of the degree program through further European funding opportunities, internal financial support at RTSU and financial support from the Tajik Ministry of Education and Science.