A new major in book management opened in Germany

The “International Literature and Book Markets” master’s program was launched at Goethe University Frankfurt and Philipps-Universität Marburg in cooperation with the Frankfurt Book Fair launched, as reported by Chytomo correspondents.

In his exclusive commentary to Chytomo Tobias Foss, Vice President for International Relations at the Frankfurt Book Fair said that this is the first practical course with an international focus.

“Actually, there are several educational institutions in Germany where one can do book studies: Mainz, Erlangen, and Leipzig, as far as I know. In Frankfurt, there is also a course called “Buch- und Medienpraxis,” (“Books and Media Practice”) which is a great combination of seminars and lectures. I gave a lecture about the Frankfurt Book Fair, but I initiated this participation in the course syllabus myself. There should be a person responsible for these connections with universities. I have always been interested in these contacts, and I also enjoy communicating with students,” said Tobias Foss.

Foss noted that he met Professor Jürgen Habermas of the University of Marburg, and they developed the idea of this cooperation.

“I didn’t need much effort to convince Jürgen of this project. The only thing that was needed was a few people willing to take responsibility. It took some time to officially introduce the course as part of the curriculum,” Foss added.

The course will begin in the winter semester of 2024-2025. The program will be taught in German, but to be admitted one is required to have a certificate of proficiency in one of the Romance languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian). Knowledge of English is recommended.

The program will be held at both universities, in Marburg and Frankfurt. However, the schedule of classes is organized in such a way that the attendance at both sites will be easy to combine.

Graduates of philological and literary specialties who are interested in the international dissemination of literature are welcome to apply.

“Seminars, readings, lectures, and internships, will provide valuable insight into the various areas of work in the book industry. They also get a detailed insight into the economic, cultural and political aspects of the Frankfurt Book Fair,” says the exhibition’s website.

Frankfurt Book Fair experts and their partners from the international book industry will teach students contemporary Romance literature and its global distribution, marketing, publishing, and translation, and provide insight into the international book market. Students will also develop and implement their own literary projects.

“I am sure we will benefit greatly from the contacts created with the students, from their insights at the Frankfurt Book Fair, from their language skills, and from their interest in world literature,” said Jürgen Boos, director of the book fair.

After successful completion of the program, students will be able to work in the following areas:

• international book fairs;
• publishing houses
• literary agencies;
• literary houses and other literary forums;
• cultural journalism;
• research and teaching in the field of international literature and cultural studies. 

Read more about the program here.

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Copy editing: Lea Ann Douglas