English Studies

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

English Literature Studies explores the literatures of Great Britain and Ireland from the 16th century onward, 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 occur, the social groups and institutions involved, as well as the transcultural dimensions of English literatures, cultures, and language in both historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, you will acquire 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 a major or minor subject. Combining it with American Studies is a popular choice, though many other combinations are possible (a list is available on our website). The IEAS emphasizes historically oriented cultural studies (particularly Visual Culture Studies, Memory Studies, and Gender Studies), postcolonial theories, and contemporary literature research. It collaborates with the Research Center for Historical Humanities and the Cornelia Goethe Center. In the area of language practice, the institute also offers creative writing workshops, poetry readings, a Theatre Workshop, and a theater group (The Chaincourt Theatre). Beyond the university, the city offers a diverse cultural program, including English-language cinema and theater as well as events hosted by the German-British Society.

The minor Bachelor’s program in English Studies consists of a foundational phase and a qualification phase. During the foundational phase (typically study semesters 1-3), students are introduced to the fundamentals of literature studies as well as another area of concentration chosen during this phase (KIS, NELK, or English Linguistics). These principles are then applied for the first time. Students may change their area of concentration once, provided they have not definitively failed the exam in their originally chosen area. Failed exam results from the original area of concentration are credited if they would have been credited upon passing.

In the qualification phase, students deepen the knowledge acquired during the foundational phase. Although this phase typically includes study semesters 4-6, a specialization module can be started as early as the third study semester, provided 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. Additionally, career-oriented qualifications can be credited during this time.

For more information about the minor in English Studies, please visit the department’s webpage.