First Semester B.A.

First-semester students (incl. students coming from other universities and students changing their study programs):

All relevant information for beginning your studies will be provided on the website of the Central Department for Course Counseling.
There will be introductory information meetings for all majors and minors during the week before classes start. The program for all majors and minors can be found here .

B.A. American Studies (Amerikanistik), B.A. British Studies (Anglistik), B.A. English Linguistics (Englische Sprachwissenschaft): 

• Tuesday, October 8: 12-13, H 6

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Please contact degree program coordinators if you have any questions.

1. Online course registration

Registration takes place online in the electronic course catalog (in SPUR). Further information and registration dates can be found here and in the individual course descriptions in SPUR.

Please note: Students who do not show up for the first session in the first week of class will lose their place in class.

2. FlexNow

In addition to the online course registration in SPUR, there is an electronic system for managing your academic records: FlexNow. Students must register in FlexNow for all classes they would like to get credit for (i.e. all compulsory classes and all courses for their electives).

Registration for most classes will take place during the semester. For the exact registration dates and further information, please go to FlexNow registration.

You will find an overview of all compulsory courses in the B.A. programs, according to the currently valid examination regulations (BPO) and study recommendations here. These lists show the basic structure of your studies in British Studies, American Studies, and English Linguistics, which you should supplement with non-mandatory courses according to your interests and needs (e. g. with regard to exam/thesis preparation). Generally, we recommend taking some of the following courses in the first semester [(teaching) hours per week=Semesterwochenstunden, ECTS pts.=Leistungspunkte].

• B.A. major (B.A.-Fach/zweites Hauptfach)
  • General Language Course A (2 hours/3 ECTS pts.)
  • Introduction to English Linguistics: Theory and Structure (2 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
  • (optional) Introduction to English Linguistics: Phonetics and Phonology (2 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
  • Introduction to English and American Literary Studies (3 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
  • Introduction to British and Irish Studies (2 hours/2 ECTS pts.)
  • Introduction to American Studies (1 hour/1 ECTS pt.)
  • (optional) American Literary History or British Literary History (2 hours/4 ECTS pts. each)

• B.A. minor (Nebenfach)
  • all minors:
    General Language Course A (2 hours/3 ECTS pts.)
    (optional) Introduction to British and Irish Studies (2 hours/2 ECTS pts.)
    or Introduction to American Studies (1 hour/1 ECTS pt.)
  • if British Studies or American Studies is your minor:
    Introduction to English and American Literary Studies (3 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
  • if English Linguistics is your minor:
    Introduction to English Linguistics I: Theory and Structure (2 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
    (optional) Introduction to English Linguistics II: Phonetics and Phonology (2 hours/4 ECTS pts.)

Other combinations are possible as well. However, students should try to successfully complete the core modules Linguistics, Language, Literary Studies, and Cultural Studies within approximately three semesters. The dates of the courses offered each semester can be found in the detailed course catalog. 

At the university, there are a number of other course types (such as lectures, seminars, and advanced seminars). The following list provides you with a brief overview of these.

You can find further information regarding the structure of your study program and the organization of your studies at B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) and Structure. 

Students in the B.A. programs in English Linguistics, American Studies, and British Studies will need to show some proof of foreign language skills in addition to English by the time they apply for admission to their final thesis at the Examinations Office. Details about the foreign language requirements can be found in the Examination Regulations of your study program.

Additional foreign language skills may be acquired during the course of study. The Center of Language and Communication (ZSK) offers a variety of language courses at their Department for Foreign Language Training (SFA).

When you apply for admission to your final thesis at the Examinations Office, you will need to show proof of your foreign language skills, for example with your high school leaving certificate or a certificate issued by the ZSK.

How many years at school of foreign language training correspond to which level can be found here.

At the university, there are a number of other course types (such as lectures, seminars, and advanced seminars). The following list provides you with a brief overview of these.

The University Library and the Computer Center have created a course for first-semester students called Fit fürs Studium. In this online course, students can get to know various programs, tools, and databases designed to help them with their studies. 

You can find further information regarding the structure of your study program and the organization of your studies at B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) and Structure.