American Studies B.A.

Degree

Combined Bachelor of Arts

Program structure

Combinatorial degree programs: These programs combine either a bachelor's subject with a second major subject, or a bachelor's subject with two minor subjects.
You can choose (almost) all the subjects offered by the three philosophical faculties. In addition, second majors and minors can be chosen in business administration, economics, business information systems (only as a second major), and it may be possible to apply to take a second major or minor in further subjects.

Subject are put together in the following combinations:

either: 1 bachelor's subject (including the thesis) + 1 second major
or: 1 bachelor's subject (including the thesis) + 2 minor subjects

List of subjects involved

Special features

Description

American Studies at the University of Regensburg encompasses the multi-ethnic and multilingual diversity of North American literatures and cultures in their regional, national, and global manifestations and interconnections from colonial times to the immediate present. As an interdisciplinary cultural science, it deals with textual, visual, material, performative, and virtual representations and interpretations of 'America', above all with the methods of literary and cultural studies, linguistics, history, political science, cultural geography, visual culture studies, and material culture studies. In the context of the internationalization of American Studies, transnational approaches and intercultural-comparative questions are becoming increasingly important. The aim of teaching American Studies and American Studies research is a historically informed, culturally differentiated and scientifically reflected understanding of 'America'.

The main foci of American Studies at the University of Regensburg currently include but are not limited to: American cultures of memory, Early American Studies, American drama and theater, German-American relations, American visual cultures, Environmental Studies, as well as the theory and practice of American Studies.

American Studies can be chosen as a major, as a second major, or as a minor in the B.A. program. In the first semesters (core modules), the program offers a broad basic qualification in literary and cultural studies, linguistics, and language practice. The intermediate and advanced modules are intensively dedicated to the subject-specific contents, theories, and methods of American Studies.

Building on the B.A. program American Studies, the University of Regensburg offers the consecutive M.A. program European-American Studies (see here).

Professional prospects / competencies

Typical occupational fields traditionally include literature and publishing, journalism, media, advertising, public relations, internal communications, as well as social, political and cultural institutions (also administration, librarianship).

Internships, lab courses, practical courses

We recommend all students develop specializations aiding their future careers by arranging suitable internships.

Disciplines involved

American Studies, British Studies, English Linguistics

Program duration / standard period of study

The length of the program depends on the progress of an individual's studies. The standard period of study, the time in which the intended program can be finished ideally is 6 semesters. The actual time taken to complete the program may vary. It is limited by the examination deadlines set out in the examination regulations.

Program scope

180 ECTS credits overall;
comprising 90 ECTS credits in the bachelor's subject, 60 ECTS credits in the second subject and 30 ECTS credits in each minor subject

Language of instruction

English

Program can be started

In the winter and in summer semester

What qualities do I need to have?

Good communication skills and ability to express yourself
Interest in other cultures
Interest in academic content
Willingness to read and write a lot
Willingness to deal with abstract problems and the ability to work independently
Very good English language skills
Basic skills in at least one additional foreign language or the willingness to acquire these during your studies

Restricted admittance

No admission restriction based on grades

Legal requirements for admission

A requirement is a general higher education entrance qualification, a subject-related higher education entrance qualification or a vocational qualification.

Application deadline(s)

Information for international applicants

Registration dates and deadlines

Information on the dates for enrolment can be found on the homepage of the Registrar's Office.

Language skills needed

Before registering for the bachelor's thesis, at the latest, language skills must be demonstrated in one foreign language (in addition to English) to the level of at least A1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

These skills can also be obtained during your studies. The SFA (non-degree foreign language courses) department offers the relevant courses for this.

Information regarding German language proficiency for international student.

Documents needed (to apply / register)

Information on the documents required for enrollment can be found on the homepage of the Registrar's Office.

Information on the application documents for international applicants.

Contact within the faculty

Degree program coordinator and student advisory service:

Gabriele Mödl, M.A.

Claudia Trotzke, M.A.

Contact data and counseling hours