Anglistik, Amerikanistik (weiterführend)

The Studium (university degree program) takes place at universities. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, language labs, and libraries. Learning at home involves preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

Standard duration of study: 2-4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk (student union), student body, semester ticket). Where applicable, tuition fees may apply for "long-term students," a second Studium (university degree program), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds) are part of the costs. Information on funding opportunities can be found at Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) (Federal Education Assistance Act).

Compulsory modules include topics such as American Identities, Creating Language Products, Cultural Encounters, Literary and Cultural History and Theory, Mediality, Research and Writing Skills, and Translation. Elective modules may cover subjects like Comparing Societies, Politics and Cultures, English/American Literature, English as a Global Language, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Text, Media, Society, and Variation in English. Practical study content may include internships (e.g., in research institutions) if applicable.

Universities may conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews if necessary.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Courses involve attending lectures and seminars in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; potentially participating in online courses from home. Practical exercises include, for instance, conducting phonetics exercises in the language lab. Independent work requires preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Scientific research aims to deepen skills in academic work. Organization and planning involve independently planning one's Studium (university degree program), adhering to prescribed study periods, and submitting study and examination performances on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation includes, if applicable, completing internships (e.g., at research institutions domestically and abroad) and preparing for entry into the profession.

Students can complete parts of their Studium (university degree program) abroad. For example, there is an International Master's degree program "English and American Studies" offered in various countries. This program is provided by Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg and partner universities in Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, and the USA. The degree awarded can be a Master of Arts (M.A.) or a double degree. Further information is available from Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg: Masterstudiengang English and American Studies.

The following subjects can be alternatives for Anglistik, Amerikanistik (English and American Studies) (advanced/master's level) Studium (university degree program): In the field of Language and Literature Studies: General and Comparative Literature Studies (advanced), General and Comparative Linguistics (advanced), Germanistik (German Language and Literature) (advanced), Interpreting (advanced), Translation (advanced), Computational Linguistics (advanced), Digital Humanities/Computational Philology (advanced), Regional Studies - Europe (advanced), Regional Studies - North America (advanced). Commonality: working with language; applying linguistic, literary-historical, and literary-theoretical methods. In the field of Social Sciences: General and Comparative Cultural Studies (advanced), Intercultural Communication (advanced). Commonality: acquiring knowledge about language, culture, and communication.

Universities typically require the following degrees as prerequisites: English Studies, American Studies (undergraduate/bachelor's level), General and Comparative Linguistics (undergraduate/bachelor's level), General and Comparative Literature Studies (undergraduate/bachelor's level).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. Topics such as information processing and other areas are relevant. Elective and compulsory elective modules, like English/American Literature, can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in research institutions domestically and abroad, specifically prepare students for professional life. Offers for acquiring additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university). For universities in Germany, the Hochschulkompass university search can be consulted.

This advanced (weiterführend) study program deepens knowledge from an undergraduate (grundständiges Studium) degree and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, such as English literary studies, linguistics, or cultural studies. There are also Master's degree programs that cover a broad spectrum of English and American Studies. This program leads to a second university degree. The subject can sometimes be combined with other fields. English and American Studies is also available as a teaching (Lehramt) or part-time (Teilzeit) program.

Examples include: Anglo-American Literature, Language and Culture (Master); British and American Transcultural Studies (Master); Cognitive, Digital and Empirical English Studies (Master); Comparative Studies in English and American Language, Literature and Culture (Master); English and American Culture and Business Studies/English and American Studies and Economics (Master); English Literatures and Literary Theory (Master); English-Speaking Cultures (Master); Global British Studies (Master).

Depending on the university, English and American Studies can be combined with subjects such as: German Studies (advanced), History (advanced), Communication Studies (advanced), Dutch Studies (advanced), Philosophy, Ethics (advanced), Romance Studies - Spanish (advanced).

Master's graduates in English and American Studies have various career opportunities in the private sector, such as art and cultural management, adult education, or editing, journalism, and proofreading. Those aspiring to an academic career at a university typically need to pursue a doctorate (promovieren). A doctorate can also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

Late 18th century: Established as a scientific discipline, focusing on the analysis of classical works. Early 20th century: Content expanded to include modern literature, other text genres, communication-theoretical, and linguistic-sociological studies. Mid-20th century: American Studies emerged from English Studies, focusing on linguistic topics, and social, economic, and cultural aspects of the American region. 1999: The Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education (Hochschullandschaft) landscape with goals such as creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improving student and faculty mobility.

Degree Awarded: Master of Arts (M.A.).

No remuneration is received during the study program (Studium). Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases (Praxisphasen).

Federal level: The Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) as amended on January 19, 1999, last modified by the law of November 15, 2019. Joint structural requirements of the federal states for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs (resolution of the KMK from October 10, 2003). Qualification framework for German higher education degrees (developed in cooperation with the German Rectors' Conference, the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, adopted by the KMK on February 16, 2017). State level: Higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, e.g., on the accreditation of study programs. Qualification or higher education entrance regulations. University level: University statutes, study and examination regulations for the degree programs in the respective field of study.

The prerequisite for this study program (Studium) is a first professionally qualifying university degree (Hochschulabschluss); typically, an undergraduate (grundständiges Studium) degree in English or American Studies is required. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria include, for example, academic performance in the first professionally qualifying degree. English language proficiency must generally be demonstrated.