American Studies BA

The bachelors programme in American Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that examines the United States and its role in the world from the perspective of various academic disciplines. The aim of the programme is to convey a complex understanding of the culture and society of the United States as well as competence in dealing with transatlantic topics. The BA programme in American Studies is structured around the following three areas: 1) Literature and Culture, 2) Society, History, and Politics and 3) Language and Society.

The branch Literature and Culture introduces students to US literature and culture. At Leipzig, the concept of literature is a very broad one encompassing classic genres of prose, drama and poetry but other kinds of texts, from films and magazines to mail-order catalogues and cookbooks. The modules teach students basic knowledge about the literature and culture of the US as well as important skills in the field of literature and cultural studies.

In the branch Society, History, and Politics, students explore American history, politics and society and their international contexts. The modules teach students basic knowledge about developments and topics in US society and politics in the past and present. They acquaint students with important techniques of historical studies.

The branch Language and Society is offered by the Institute of British Studies and introduces students to English linguistics. The focus here is on American English. After an overview of the different branches of linguistics, students deal with the role of language in the world: how do we acquire language? How is it produced and perceived? What social functions does language fulfil?

Once the students have familiarised themselves with all three areas in the basic modules, the rest of the bachelors programme allows them to specialise within these three areas.

The courses of all modules are taught in English. Numerous modules contain practical language components in which students specifically train the forms of academic writing and speaking in English.

If prospective students have any questions or would like further information about the bachelors programme in American Studies, they are welcome to contact the course advisers at the Institute of American Studies.

If you would like to study with us, you will need a higher education entrance qualification that is valid for German universities (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, HZB).
You can check in the anabin database whether your foreign educational qualification is recognised in Germany.

You will need proof of your knowledge of English. Details of which documents we accept as proof can be found in the study regulations of your chosen subject.