B.A. American Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Amerikanistik/American Studies at the University of Regensburg is a six-semester program that engages the full range of American Studies issues, methods, and materials from the colonial period to the immediate present. Students will explore textual, visual, material, performative, and virtual representations of ‘America’ and study their interpretations and contestations in different historical, social, cultural, and political contexts. American Studies courses at the University of Regensburg are interdisciplinary in scope and outreach and partake in the research activities of the Regensburg American Studies faculty. Given recent developments in the field of American Studies, transnational perspectives are given special prominence.

First Major Subject (B.A.-Fach)

Graduates have comprehensive knowledge of the cultures, literatures, and histories of North America.They possess in-depth content and theoretical knowledge and methodological skills in selected areas of American Studies in their entire historical span, cultural diversity, and media and material diversity. They are able to apply these to the analysis and interpretation of cultural expressions of various kinds and they are able to apply this knowledge to the analysis and interpretation of various forms of cultural expression and their cultural and historical contexts. 

Graduates have active and passive language skills at level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference and have mastered techniques for presenting content orally and in writing in English.

Second Major Subject

Graduates possess fundamental knowledge of the cultures, literatures, and histories of North America. They are able to apply cultural studies theories and methods to the analysis of various types of texts, materials, and media, and have substantive and theoretical knowledge as well as sound methodological skills in key areas of American Studies.

Graduates possess active and passive language skills at level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. They are able to communicate effectively in academic contexts and are familiar with the latest research in the field. They are able to apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts, including teaching, research, and professional practice. 

Minor Subject

Graduates have a broad knowledge of the cultures, literatures, and histories of North America. They are able to apply literary and cultural theories and methods to the analysis and interpretation of various types of texts, materials, and media, and they have English language skills at level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
 

General information on our B.A. programs including information about the program structure, ECTS, foreign language skills, the Pronunciation Exam (Ausspracheprüfung), the Bachelor's thesis etc. is found on our overview page for all Bachelor's degree programs.

There is a number of compulsory classes that you have to take in your studies. These classes vary depending on your study program. Which compulsory courses you have to attend is precisely stated in the module descriptions for your study program (available in German only).

To view all compulsory courses of the B.A. American Studies on one page, please have a look at these overview tables:

• Overview table B.A. American Studies : beginning of studies in or after summer semester 2025 (changes to the core module cultural studies M14)
• Overview table B.A. American Studies : beginning of studies in or after winter semester 2022/23 (changes to the core module linguistics M12)
• Overview table B.A. American Studies : beginning of studies in or after summer semester 2020 (changes to the core module linguistics M12)
• Overview table B.A. American Studies : beginning of studies in or after winter semester 2012/13 (available in German only)

These overview tables have been compiled with great care; however, only the original text of the examination regulations is legally binding. A thorough read of the examination regulations (available in German only) is highly recommended in the interest of a well-organized course of studies.

Supervision

In American Studies your B.A. thesis may be supervised by:

• Prof. Dr. Julius Greve, or
• Prof. Dr. Volker Depkat, or
• Dr. Birgit Hebel-Bauridl

Please visit the professors' homepages to see their particular research interests. This will help you decide who is the best choice for the topic you have in mind. Coordinate a meeting with the respective professor and present them your ideas for your thesis.

Key Facts

Your B.A. thesis should demonstrate that you have understood the basics of academic work in your subject area and can apply them independently to a particular topic. The topic must be discussed with your supervisor.

Once you have registered your B.A. thesis at the Examination Office (Prüfungsamt), you will have two months to work on your topic. The Examination Office will send you a letter with the precise dates and deadlines.

Detailed information on your B.A. Thesis is found on the University's general website under “Prüfungsordnungen für B.A.-Studiengänge (Bachelor of Arts)” (available in German only).

When and how to register your B.A. Thesis

You can register your B.A. thesis at the Examination Office at any time (no exact dates) as long as you have at least 150 CP from completed modules.

Detailed information on the registration of your B.A. thesis can be found at the Examination Secretariat for the Faculty of Humanities under “Bachelorstudiengänge (B.A./B.Sc.) der Geisteswissenschaften” (available in German only).