Universität - Fachbereich Sprach-, Literatur- und Medienwissenschaft
English and American Studies
Although language skills are systematically consolidated and expanded when studying for this subject, a very good proficiency in English is a prerequisite for first-semester students since there are no classes for beginners. In Germany, the average student has already had nine years of English at school and has possibly spent a year in an English-speaking country before coming to university.
The course of study encompasses the English language in its various forms, British and North American literature, and selected aspects of Commonwealth Literature. In general, it also covers the cultures of the various geographical areas where English is spoken.
The major subjects offered for the Master of Arts (M.A.) are essentially combinations of linguistic, literary and cultural studies, and students may choose between:
- 'English Language, Literature and Culture'
- 'North American Language, Literature and Culture'.
As minor subjects for the M.A., students may choose between:
- 'British Literature and Culture'
- 'North American Literature and Culture'
- 'Linguistics'
The full range of the five above mentioned subjects can be studied for the German state teaching examination (Staatsexamen), meaning that students may also choose to concentrate on one of the last three subjects.
The Linguistics of English
This focuses on the structure of the English language, including its communicative functions and the significance of the language in the English-speaking world. Students are introduced to a variety of linguistic theories, with all their potentials and limitations, as well as the concepts they use. Only when thus equipped is it possible to reach objective conclusions about language, a difficult field laden with emotion, prejudice and misunderstandings. The main focus in the linguistic seminars is on contemporary English in its many variations which result from a variety of factors - regional, social, functional, historical and psychological - is the subject of analysis. Students investigate the language in its various subsystems: phonetics and phonology (its sounds), morphology (its word forms), semantics (its meaning), lexicology (its vocabulary), syntax (its grammar) and pragmatics (how it's used). Particular emphasis is also placed on the following areas: cognitive linguistics, pragmatics, morphology and translation studies. Studies in English, however, do not result in any type of degree or in any professional certification as a translator or interpreter.
British Literature and Culture
This area encompasses English literature from the Middle Ages to the present day with emphasis on the Modern Period (from the late 16th Century onwards). The course aims to familiarise students with literary traditions within their historical, social and cultural contexts. In detail, the works of selected authors and works from particular eras or thematically connected segments of British literature are read, analysed and viewed with regard to their respective socio-historical backgrounds. Examples of such areas of study are the dramas of Shakespeare, the origins of the novel in the 18th Century, Romantic poetry, Modernism or the postmodern contemporary novel. In addition to the canonical works of literature, other forms of cultural production are covered - such as film, advertising or song lyrics. Moreover, seminars are occasionally offered on selected aspects of Commonwealth literature - e.g. Anglo-Indian, Australian, South African or Caribbean writers. These representatives and their works are viewed with special regard to the context of their own cultures, born of dialogue and conflict with British traditions.
North American Literature and Culture
This area encompasses all aspects of the literature and culture of the United States from the 17th Century to the present day. In addition to the works of individual authors, particular periods of literature and thematically connected areas are examined in the seminars. Especial attention is paid to specifically American forms of literature and culture which from their very beginnings were different from European forms. Seminar subjects include such diverse genres as the political speech, travel literature, essays, diaries, and the manifold forms of popular culture and visual culture. Seminars on Canadian literature are also regularly offered. North American English language and its variations are studied in the linguistics part of the course.
General Remarks on Language Teaching
Parallel to the three main areas of study, students also follow language courses which aim to improve oral and written skills.
Length Of Study
Normally 9-10 Semesters
Qualification
M.A. (as major or minor subject)
State Teaching Qualification
Conditions
Applicants require a High School leaving certificate that qualifies them for University entry. Application forms are obtainable 8 weeks before the application deadline for the Winter or Summer Semesters (15th July/15th January) from the University Admissions Office (Studentensekretariat, Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1, D-20146 Hamburg).
Letzte Änderung: 28. April 1998 HTML von John King
Impressum
Universität - Fachbereich Sprach-, Literatur- und Medienwissenschaft
