English Studies

The BA program in English Studies is focused on literature, cultural studies, and linguistics, and is divided into four key areas:

• English Literature Studies explores the literatures of Great Britain and Ireland since the 16th century, as well as literary theory.  
• Cultural, Intellectual, and Social History (KIS) examines philosophical, cultural, artistic, social, and political developments in the British Isles.  
• New English-Language Literatures and Cultures (NELK) focuses on the English-language literatures of India, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region, along with Postcolonial Studies.  
• English Linguistics studies the structure and use of the English language as a unique manifestation of human linguistic ability.  

The course provides you with knowledge about the forms and developments of literature, culture, and language in Great Britain and other English-speaking countries (excluding the US). It examines the various cultural productions, texts, and media through which these processes unfold, the social groups and institutions involved, and the transcultural dimensions of English literatures, cultures, and language in both historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, you will gain expertise and skills in general literature studies, cultural studies, and general and applied linguistics.  

At the Institute for England and American Studies (IEAS), you can study English Studies as either a major or a minor. Combining it with American Studies is a popular choice, but many other combinations are possible (a list is available on our website). The IEAS places a strong emphasis on historically oriented cultural studies (particularly Visual Culture Studies, Memory Studies, and Gender Studies), postcolonial theories, and contemporary literature research. It also collaborates with the Research Center for Historical Humanities and the Cornelia Goethe Center.  

In the area of language practice, the program offers creative writing workshops, poetry readings, a Theatre Workshop, and a theater group (The Chaincourt Theatre). Beyond the university, the city provides a rich cultural program, including English-language cinema and theater as well as events hosted by the German-British Society.

The Bachelor’s major in English Studies is divided into a foundational phase, a qualification phase, and an optional area. During the foundational phase (typically study semesters 1–3), students are introduced to the fundamentals of literature studies as well as two other areas of concentration chosen during this phase (KIS, NELK, or English Linguistics). These fundamentals are then applied for the first time. Students select their areas of concentration no later than the second study semester, when the corresponding introduction begins. Changing an area of concentration is allowed once, provided the exam in the originally chosen area of concentration has not been definitively failed. Failed exam results in the original area of concentration will be credited if they would have been credited upon passing. In the qualification phase, students deepen the knowledge acquired during the foundational phase. While this phase typically spans study semesters 4–6, an advanced module may be started as early as the third study semester, once the foundational module in the corresponding area of concentration has been successfully completed. Throughout all phases, students practice subject-specific proficiency in the use of the English language. In the optional area, students can acquire additional skills and knowledge relevant to their course of study from related disciplines.

You can find more information about the main subject English Studies on the faculty's page.