American Studies (MA)

Overview

This two-year, English-taught Master's provides in-depth, interdisciplinary training in the methods and theories of American Studies, together with broad knowledge of U.S. literatures, cultures, history, and society. Course offerings span from early colonial and literary history to contemporary debates around race, class, gender, religion, ethnicity, and regional identities. The curriculum is designed to let you build either a wide overview or a focused expertise in a specific area, while promoting student autonomy, academic collaboration, and international exchange.

Academics and learning experience

The programme is structured around four core elements: American Literature and Culture, an Interdisciplinary Profile, Research, and Practice. An introductory module brings students from diverse backgrounds up to a common level in current American Studies methods and academic writing. The core curriculum introduces essential theoretical frameworks, and each year visiting professors from abroad contribute fresh perspectives through lectures and seminars. You are expected to take courses across other departments or faculties to shape a personalised academic profile, present and refine your MA thesis project in a faculty-and-peer colloquium, and complete practice-oriented coursework.

Practical training and careers

Practical experience is built into the programme: opportunities include organising exhibitions, festivals or workshops, working as tutors, and pursuing internships both inside and outside academia to strengthen employability. Graduates go on to careers in academia, journalism, publishing, public relations, consulting, international organisations, new media, public administration, and related fields.

Key facts & programme features

• Duration: 2 years (Master’s level)
• Language of instruction: English
• Four core components: American Literature and Culture; Interdisciplinary Profile; Research; Practice
• Introductory module for students from diverse academic backgrounds
• Core curriculum in American Literary and Cultural Studies with theoretical training
• Annual guest professors delivering lectures and seminars
• Ability to take courses in other departments/faculties to create an individual profile
• MA thesis presented and discussed in a collegial colloquium (faculty, guests, peers)
• Built-in opportunities for applied work (organising events, tutoring) and encouragement to pursue external internships
• Typical career paths: academia, media and publishing, PR, consulting, international organisations, new media, public administration

Program structure and timing

This MA runs over two years and can begin in either the summer or winter semester; for logistical reasons starting in the winter semester is recommended. The curriculum balances classroom-based study of American literature and culture with research training and opportunities for specialization and practical application.

Core modules and learning outcomes

In the first year students complete a core curriculum centered on American literature and culture. The "Central Concepts and Competences" module (12 ECTS) introduces key theoretical concepts and research skills used in the department and includes a graduate academic writing class to develop advanced strategies for independent research and scholarly writing. Three further 12‑ECTS modules let students choose from a wide range of North America–related topics, deepening their grasp of major theories and enabling close textual and cultural analysis. One named core module, "Historical Dimensions in Literature and Culture," concentrates specifically on historical trajectories and contexts within American Studies.

Specialization, thesis preparation and practical experience

The second year focuses on specialization and thesis work. The "Special Topics in American Literature and Culture" module (12 ECTS) allows students to pursue an area of interest that will feed into their MA thesis. Two academic skills modules—Research Colloquium and Workshop (6 ECTS each)—prepare students for thesis research: the colloquium involves discussion with faculty and PhD students and presentation of one’s own research. The programme culminates in a 30‑ECTS MA thesis plus an oral examination. Two flexible 12‑ECTS modules—"Interdisciplinary Profile" and "Practice and Applications"—can be taken in either year to build an individualized study profile, gain applied experience (including internships outside academia), or pursue research-oriented roles such as tutoring for those considering a PhD.

Requirements (concise)

• Recommended start: winter semester (summer start also possible)
• Central Concepts and Competences — 12 ECTS (includes graduate academic writing)
• Three additional core modules — each 12 ECTS (options across North America–related topics)
• Historical Dimensions in Literature and Culture — one of the core modules focusing on historical contexts
• Special Topics in American Literature and Culture — 12 ECTS (specialization for MA thesis)
• Research Colloquium — 6 ECTS (presentation and discussion with faculty and PhD students)
• Workshop (Academic Skills) — 6 ECTS
• MA thesis + oral exam — 30 ECTS
• Interdisciplinary Profile — 12 ECTS (courses outside core curriculum to shape an individual profile)
• Practice and Applications — 12 ECTS (applied experience or internship; option to gain tutoring/research experience for PhD preparation)

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in academia (further research or PhD), journalism, publishing, public relations, consulting, international organisations, new media, and public administration. The programme’s emphasis on advanced research methods, academic writing, and topical specialisation equips students for roles that require critical analysis and subject-matter expertise.

Practical training through the Practice and Applications module and opportunities for internships or teaching experience enhance employability outside academia, enabling graduates to transfer scholarly skills to professional contexts such as cultural institutions, communications, policy-related organisations, and the creative industries.