American Studies

The English-language Master's program in American Studies focuses on the culture of the United States of America from the colonial period to the present day. It is divided into three major, mutually inspiring areas. The first of these areas, "American Literature and Literary Studies," focuses on American literary texts in the broadest sense and their critical examination. It concerns the reading and being read of the USA, with its diverse text types and characteristics. The focus is on the question of the social and cultural impact of literary texts. "American Culture and Cultural Studies" examines media objects such as images and film material with regard to their cultural meanings and varying receptions. Here, it analyzes how and whether an American identity can be articulated—and in which specific context. Finally, the aim of "American History and Society" is to investigate historical change in American society and politics. It examines changes in political ideologies and social norms and values, as well as the role of these ideas in social movements and military conflicts. The focus is on the critical analysis of historical sources, which are essential for our understanding of historical change. The American Studies major bachelor's program consists of a foundation phase, a qualification phase, and an elective section. The foundation phase teaches the fundamentals of the three concentrations. In the qualification phase, students choose two of the three concentrations in which they expand and deepen their knowledge. Students make this choice by taking two qualification modules in each of the three concentrations. In both phases (foundation phase in the 1st-2nd semesters, qualification phase in the 3rd-6th semesters), subject-specific competence in the use of English is practiced. Some of the courses to be taken in the elective section can be selected as part of a curriculum provided on the basis of interdisciplinary agreements. Career-preparatory qualifications can also be credited here.