American Studies (MA)

Our two-year Master's programme in American Studies offers comprehensive training in the methods and theories of American Studies as well as multifaceted knowledge and insights into the literatures, cultures, history, and society of the United States. The wide variety of courses in the programme ranges from those on America's colonial past and early literary culture to those covering contemporary themes in race, class, gender, religious, ethnic, and regional studies. Students in the MA programme in American Studies are particularly flexible in their course choices, allowing for a broad overview as well as the development of expertise in a particular field of interest. Furthermore, we are proud to offer students an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasises student autonomy, academic collaboration, and exchange. The four cornerstones of our MA programme are: American Literature and Culture Interdisciplinary Profile Research Practice An introductory module enables students from different backgrounds to create a common body of knowledge about state-of-the-art American Studies and a fresh set of research and writing skills. In the core curriculum of American Literary and Cultural Studies, students will further get to know and apply the fundamental theoretical framework of American Studies. Each year, our department welcomes esteemed guest professors from international universities. Teaching lectures and seminars, our guests bring new and innovative research and perspectives to our American Studies students. Each student attends courses at other departments or faculties, thereby creating their own unique academic profiles. In addition, students can introduce and discuss their MA thesis projects in a colloquium comprising faculty, guests, and fellow students. Finally, the programme emphasises professional experience and offers students an opportunity for applied American Studies as part of the regular coursework. Students may, for instance, help organise exhibitions, festivals, or workshops or be tutors. We encourage students to pursue practical skills and internships outside academia to further prepare them for their future professions. After graduation, job opportunities may be found in academia, journalism, publishing, public relations, consulting, international organisations, new media, public administration, etc.