Studies & Degrees in Austrian Studies

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Described as Eastern Borderlands, “Austria” happens to be the Latin translation of such informal designation. Such national identification was only recorded in the 12th century while the German counterpart “Österreich” has been documented since 996. As a matter of fact, the Ostarrichi document containing the term was imperative to the foundation of the national identity. The institution of the First Austrian Republic though came after centuries, specifically in 1919. This era marked the end of German colonization after World War I courtesy of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye Treaty. Unfortunately, independence did not last long because of the Civil War thereafter. At the end of another historical war, World War II, the country finally regained national liberty. Consequently, the comprehensive Austrian Studies cover these historical pieces.

Austria is a landlocked nation lying close to the Alps, thereby encompassing the northern, southern, and central eastern regions of the great mountain. In turn, it is characterized by temperate climate dominated by the Alpine climatic condition, hence the cold winter and relatively warm summer. Although the national setting is predominantly mountainous, the State is nonetheless industrialized, being home to globally competitive industries. It is no wonder that it is regarded as the 12th richest country in the world based on per capita GDP. Austrian economy likewise ranked 4th among other nations in Europe, making it a proud member of the European Union. As another European power, it was able to excel in many other fields apart from robust economic standing. This was made possible by the remarkable contributions of great Austrian people in arts, architecture, cinema, literature, philosophy, science, music, etc.

Austrian Studies comprise a significant facet of areas of study, and are interdisciplinary in nature. In this case though, research is lodged in the distinctive geographical region of Austria. More often than not, inquiry is concentrated on the humanities and sociology of Austrian communities. Nonetheless, it includes in depth investigation of culture, geography, history, literature, language, politics, and matters related to Austrian society. Furthermore, this faculty has various counterparts such as Dutch Studies, German Studies, Scandinavian Studies, Slavic Studies, and Russian Studies. All these faculties inclusive of Austrian Studies comprise the extensive scope of European Studies.

Noteworthy contributions of Austria to the international community, particularly to the European Union, have drawn interest on Austrian Studies. As a result, the academe provided for relevant course programs, both in graduate and undergraduate schools. Most likely, relevant courses are integrated in European Studies, such as Austrian Culture, Austrian Language, and Austrian Literature. Furthermore, there are also Bachelor’s degree programs on Austrian Studies, German and Austrian Studies, and German Language and Austrian Studies. In the same way, graduate curricula under international relations include Master of Austrian Studies, Master in Central European Comparative Studies, and Doctor of Philosophy in German and Austrian Studies.

Career opportunities await Austrian Studies specialists worldwide. The highly stable economy of Austria merited the attention of potential investors that are likely to seek for experts’ opinion regarding the prevalent business culture. National governments under constant political or trade engagement with Austria may hire eligible personnel for proposition and negotiation functions. Another attractive employment niche comprises the research and development efforts conducted by non-governmental organizations. As a matter of fact, academic institutions maintain research institutes within the campus, such as the Centre for Austrian Studies (University of Minnesota), the Centre for Austrian Culture and Commerce (University of New Orleans), and Central European Comparative Studies (Charles University). These universities can also tender teaching posts to competent degree holders on the subject matter.