The objective of American Studies is to study the culture and society of the United States. The American Studies specialization within the English BA program is both inter- and multidisciplinary, meaning that it combines traditions of classical fields of study (literature, history and linguistics) with the theoretical and methodological approaches of modern cultural history and cultural studies. Interdisciplinarity provides a fundamental method with which to understand and analyze modern societies and cultures in all their complexity and thus represents an indispensable approach to studying the United States as a paradigm of such a modern society and culture. A profound understanding of the culture and society of the US is made all the more vital by that country’s leading role in the world, its economic significance, its impact on Europe, and its social and cultural diversity. Building on solid theoretical foundations the program provides methodological and practical knowledge that can be used universally – i.e., well beyond the culture of the US – as a way both to approach the diverse cultural and social phenomena of our time and to understand them fully.
In the first year of the three-year BA program, students take language classes and introductory courses. In the second phase (2nd and 3rd year) of the program, students have a choice of various survey lectures and specialized seminars on such topic areas as American literature and history, cultural history, popular culture, media, film, visual culture, American religions, gender, and identity. Seminars provide opportunities for research, group work, and discussions through which students acquire theoretical and methodological foundations and develop critical thinking skills. The program is completed with a BA thesis and defense.
The American Studies specialization develops practical skills based on theoretical knowledge which will be necessary for success both in pursuing advanced study (MA and PhD programs and/or a related second degree program) and in finding a job. Emphasis is placed on strong communication skills, self-development, problem-solving ability, critical treatment of information and texts, effective research, organisation and group work, English proficiency (both in speaking and writing), and electronic literacy.
Students who satisfy the requirements of the program will have the opportunity to continue their studies: either in earning advanced degrees (MA or PhD, e.g., in teaching, arts and letters, economics and business administration, or social sciences) or in earning second degrees/postgraduate diplomas (e.g., interpreting and translating, sales correspondence, or human resources management).
The BA offers a variety of career options in such areas as interpreting and translating, customer service, assisting management, sales, public administration, editing, events management, and tour guiding in such fields as banking, import-export, PR and project planning, publishing, state and local government, diplomacy, the media, and travel and tourism.
