English and American Studies

The programme enables students to follow their own research interests. Students choose between literary studies and linguistics as a major; in addition, they choose a minor from literary studies, linguistics, cultural studies, or didactics (TEFL). Students take four to five courses per semester; the final semester is reserved for the Master's thesis, which counts for 25% of the overall grade. The programme offers various opportunities to study abroad and credits students for internships and other practical work experience. Student mentors acquaint students with the campus, the library, student life, and programme requirements. Particular strengths of the department include the small course size, a well-equipped library, and excellent student-faculty relations. Our alumni typically go on to work in publishing, media, education, and public relations, or they pursue doctoral degrees at the university. The first three semesters are devoted to coursework. Students take four to five courses per semester, of which about half are graduate seminars; the other courses are survey lectures and exercise classes. In their first semester, one of the seminars acquaints students with the most important theories and methods in their major subject of study. Aside from a few mandatory courses, students can follow their own research interests and choose from 15 to 20 different thematic courses each semester. The final semester is devoted to the Master's thesis, which students write in close contact with a supervisor. PDF Download