Course: American Studies B.A.

The degree program suits you if you have the following qualities:

• Good communication skills and the ability to express yourself
• Interest in other cultures
• Interest in specialised academic content
• Willingness to read and write a lot
• Willingness to deal with abstract problems and ability to work independently
• at least a good command of English
• two foreign languages or willingness to acquire (basic) knowledge of them (see below)

Language of Instruction is English.

Traditionally, prominent occupational fields are literature and publishing, journalism, media, advertising, public relations as well as social, political and cultural institutions (also administration, librarianship), marketing, internal communication.

Bachelor of Arts: Either a Bachelor's subject (90 ECTS) is combined with a second major subject (60 ECTS) or a Bachelor's subject (90 ECTS) with two Minor Subjects (30 ECTS each).

You can choose from (almost) all subjects offered by the three Faculties of Philosophy. The subjects Business Administration, Economics, Management Information Systems (second major only) and possibly other subjects are also available as a second major or minor subject on application.

The subjects involved in the combined Bachelor's programme can be found in the list of BA combined subjects (German version).

This results in the following combination of subjects:

• 1 Bachelor's subject (final thesis) + 1 second major subject

  or

• 1 Bachelor's subject (thesis) + 2 Minor Subjects

The programme also includes a final thesis (10 ECTS) and a free elective courses in (20 ECTS). The total workload corresponds to that of a single-subject degree program.

An in-depth insight into the Bachelor's degree programme in Humanities can be found in the:

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) information brochure (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)

There are a number of compulsory courses that you must take during your degree programme. These courses vary depending on the degree program. You can find out exactly which compulsory courses you must attend in the module descriptions of your degree program.

Other combinations are also possible. However, students should try to successfully complete the core modules of linguistics, language, literary studies and cultural studies within approximately three semesters. The dates of the courses offered in each semester can be found in the detailed course catalogues on SPUR.
There are a number of other types of courses at the university (e.g. lectures, seminars, advanced seminars). The following list gives you a brief overview of these:

SPUR course catalogues (external link, opens in a new window)

Further information on the Structure of the Program and the organisation of the degree programme can be found on the Institute's website under B.A. (Bachelor of Arts):

Department of British and American Studies - B.A.

Here you will find an overview of all compulsory courses in the B.A. degree programs in accordance with the currently valid Examination Regulations (BPO) and study recommendations.

These lists show the basic structure of your studies in british studies, american studies and english linguistics, which you should supplement with non-compulsory courses depending on your interests and needs (e.g. with regard to exam/graduation preparation). In general, we recommend taking some of the following courses in the first semester [hours per week = semester hours per week, ECTS points = credit points].

B.A. major subject (B.A. subject/second major subject)

• 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 American Studies (1 hour/1 ECTS pt.)
• (optional) American Literary History or British Literary History (2 hours/4 ECTS pts. each)

B.A. Minor Subject

• General Language Course A (2 hours/3 ECTS pts.)
• Introduction to American Studies (1 hour/1 ECTS pt.)

If British studies or american studies is your Minor Subject:

• Introduction to English and American Literary Studies (3 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
   

If english linguistics is your minor subject:

• 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.)

Overview Table Summer Semester 2025 (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)

General information on modularisation, the B.A. electives and the freely combinable Minor Subject (FKN) can be found on the homepage of the Credit Points Coordination Office:

Coordination Centre for Credit Points (German version)

You can find a detailed overview of the compulsory courses that you must complete during your degree programme in the module descriptions:

Module description

The duration of the degree programme depends on the individual course of study. The Standard Period of Study, i.e. the time in which the intended study programme can ideally be completed, is 6 semesters. The actual duration of the programme may differ from this. It is limited by the examination deadlines, which are regulated in the Examination Regulations:

Examination and study regulations (German version)

The degree programme can be started in the winter and summer semesters.

All students are recommended to set their own priorities for their future career through suitable internships alongside their studies.

American Studies, British Studies, english linguistics. A stay abroad is recommended and can be easily integrated into the course of study.

The following language skills must be demonstrated by the time of registration for the bachelor's thesis at the latest: Knowledge of at least level A1+ of the common european framework of reference for languages (CEFR) in two foreign languages.

This knowledge can also be acquired during the degree programme. Corresponding courses are offered via the foreign language training programme (SFA):

Study-related foreign language training (German version)

Information on German language certificates for international applicants:

International Office

Requirements are a general higher education entrance qualification, a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or a professional qualification. Information on the documents required for enrolment can be found on the Registrar's Office homepage:

Registrar's Office

Information on the application documents for international applicants can be found here:

UR International

If you have any questions about the programme content, the subject requirements and the specific structure of the programme, please contact the

Course-related information and advice

The General Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports you with all questions relating to your studies - from the decision to study and admission to the course of study and successful graduation.

If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact person.

General Student Advisory Service