The bachelor’s programme in American Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that examines the United States and its role in the world from the perspective of various academic disciplines. The aim of the programme is to convey a complex understanding of the culture and society of the United States as well as competence in dealing with transatlantic topics.
At a glance
-
Field of study
humanities and linguistics -
Degree type
undergraduate -
Degree
Bachelor of Arts -
Language of instruction
English -
Full/part-time
full-time, part-time -
Course start
winter semester -
Admission restriction
national admission restriction -
Standard period of study
six semesters
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ECTS credits
180
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NC
In the last selection procedure, all applicants were awarded a place on the programme.
Requirements
general higher education entrance qualification, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
- Knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Contents
The BA programme in American Studies is structured around the following four areas:
- Literature and Culture introduces you to US literature and culture. The concept of ‘culture’ is understood such that it includes popular culture, as the term includes films and television series, for example, in addition to classic literary genres.
- In Society, History, and Politics, you explore American history, politics and society and their international contexts.
- Ethnicity and Diversity emphasises the important role played by ethnic diversity in the history and culture of the US. You will gain an overview of the cultures of various ethnic groups in the USA with a focus on their literature.
- Language and Society focuses on American English. After obtaining an overview of the different branches of linguistics, you deal with the role of language in the world: What social and cultural functions does language fulfil?
In addition to the compulsory modules, in the elective area you can take courses from other subjects in the humanities and social sciences to develop an interdisciplinary profile.
The bachelor’s programme in American Studies entails a student workload of 180 credit points.
It is made up of compulsory elective and compulsory courses together with the bachelor’s thesis in a core subject of American Studies (90 credit points) in addition to a free elective area or an elective subject. The elective area or elective subject are worth 60 credit points.
Besides this, 30 credit points are earned in courses focussing on key skills. The key skills can be taken from those specific to the subject, specific to the faculty or those offered to all students at the University.
Because it concentrates on the culture of the United States, the American Studies programme is interested more in contemporary phenomena than most other philologies are, but at the same time the programme does emphasise the importance of understanding these phenomena in their historical context. The programme’s interdisciplinary orientation prepares graduates better for the German and international labour markets.
- Programme is offered entirely in English (some elective modules are offered in German)
- Study stay abroad is possible
- Additional key skills, e.g., Creative Writing: US authors teach literature and creative writing as part of the Picador visiting professorship
As a graduate of the American Studies BA programme, you can work in the following fields, among others:
- international companies or institutions
- cultural organisations (e.g., development work, exchange organisations or museum work)
- international NGOs
- publishing houses or media
- academic research work at German or international universities
- diverse service institutions (e.g., consulting, PR or communication agencies)
- education institutions
Typical tasks could include:
- editorial and journalistic tasks
- copyediting
- event organisation and management
- teaching language and literature courses
- translation work
- project management
- corporate consulting in regard to international relations
- tasks in foundations and ‘soft’ diplomacy as well as intercultural exchange and communication
After successfully completing the American Studies bachelor’s programme, it is possible to continue on to a master’s programme in American Studies or related subjects.
- An internship is possible
- Study stay abroad is possible and recommended
- In the programme variant “American Studies with Transatlantic Capstone Program and Project Year - Bachelor Plus”: two-semester stay at the partner university in Oslo
Application
Course start: Winter semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 July
Application portal: DoSV
Please ensure that you read and take note of the further information provided on the pages “Online application”.
International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.
Options in the winter semester: 3rd semester and 5th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester, 4th semester and 6th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)
You can find more information on our page for “Applying for higher semesters of study”.
International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.
Internationality
Only for the BA American Studies with Transatlantic Capstone Program and Project Year (BA Plus):
Two semesters of study at foreign partner universities
