Languages and Culture: An interdisciplinary introduction

Innovative Project idea

This seminar integrates cultural, social, and historical perspectives, emphasizing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. Students draw on concepts and methods from cultural analysis, linguistics, history, philosophy and the social sciences. They situate current discourses within broader theoretical frameworks, reflect on them through diverse and intercultural perspectives, and develop critically reasoned, dialogical arguments attuned to transnational and multicultural contexts. Within the Languages and Cultures track, students explore how multilingualism and cultural diversity influence a sense of belonging and cultural negotiation, exploring Swiss experience as a case study linked to broader global issues.

The seminar actively addresses the intercultural and heterogeneous composition of the student body by incorporating diverse perspectives and disciplinary backgrounds into collaborative discussions. Assessment combines reflective essays, oral contributions, and written analyses to ensure equitable participation for students with varied prior knowledge and learning conditions. These assignments evaluate intercultural competencies by asking students to contextualize individual experiences within broader transnational frameworks, compare them with other cultural perspectives, and reflect on their learning processes. Thus, the seminar enables students to critically engage with cultural diversity, transnational entanglements, and intercultural dialogue. It equips students with skills that extend across academic and societal contexts.

Added value for students and teaching

BAES students: The Languages and Culture module is tailored to the BAES curriculum in terms of content and form and constitutes an integral part of the specialization at UZH. It combines linguistic, philological, cultural, and social science perspectives and provides a systematic introduction to key topics and methodological approaches in the track. Conducted in English and planned as a co-taught course, the module provides an academically rigorous and internationally focused learning environment. The module especially encourages cohort building and facilitates both social and academic integration for BAES students at UZH.
UZH students: The module is also accessible to students at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, particularly those in language, literature, cultural, and social science disciplines. It complements the existing curriculum by offering an interdisciplinary, English-language perspective with an international emphasis, enhances intercultural competencies, and prepares students for participation in mobility programs.
There are 20 spots reserved for BAES students and 10 spots for UZH students. For the latter, priority will be given to students in the contributing programs. Due to the English-language format, international orientation, and thematic relevance, the module is expected to attract significant interest, especially from UZH students.