How is contemporary literature communicated both in the German book market and internationally? How do publishers work together with authors and translators? How are books marketed? What about the socio-political dimension of these literary practices? These and other topics are the subject of the new Master's degree "International Literatures and Book Markets", which Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Marburg have developed together with Frankfurter Buchmesse. The four-semester Master's course will be available for the first time in the 2024/25 winter semester and includes an internship of several months, either at Frankfurter Buchmesse or one of its global partners, whereby the focus is on Romance language-speaking countries.
Prerequisites for admission to the program are very good knowledge of a Romance language (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and/or Catalan) as well as an interest in literary conveyance in an international context. Students can add Scandinavian languages and Arabic through elective options - an offer that is to be expanded with English soon, too.
Potential employers and employment sectors for graduates of the practice-oriented Master's are international book fairs, publishing houses, agencies, literary houses, the field of cultural journalism as well as research and teaching in Romance languages, literature and cultural studies.
Prof. Kati Hannken-Illjes, Vice President Education at University of Marburg, is delighted about the collaboration between two strong research universities and the internationally active Frankfurter Buchmesse: "This combination makes the Master's unique in Germany. In future, current research topics such as translations and the circulation of literature across national borders can be discussed together with players from professional practice."
Prof. Viera Pirker, Goethe University Frankfurt's Vice President Studies and Teaching, appreciates the new degree not only because of the intensive collaboration with the University of Marburg, but also because "the cooperation with the Book Fair will enable students to get involved in literature communication projects in urban areas at an early stage, offering a new and special connection between our university and the city of Frankfurt."
Juergen Boos, Director of Frankfurt Book Fair, welcomes the cooperation with the universities. "As Frankfurter Buchmesse, we are the central trading point for the international publishing industry, with activities spanning the globe. Knowledge of Romance languages is of great value in our teams. That's why I'm delighted that we as a company can help with the practical orientation of the Master's degree program that is about to start. I am certain that we will benefit greatly from the exchange with the students, their perspectives on the Frankfurt Book Fair, their language skills and their interest in the literatures of the world."
