American Studies

Subjects: American Studies;Culture;Linguistics;Literature

M.A. | Master of Arts

Course description

The two-year Master's program in American Studies offers a rich array of courses in US-American literature, history, and cultural and media studies. This program blends current research and teaching with various forms of self-study and academic training. It aims to develop skills essential for both academic and professional success. The program features three key areas of study and research. "American Literature and Literary Criticism" delves into American literature in its broadest sense, focusing on the practice of critical analysis. It explores how the United States is read and interpreted through different types of text. "American Culture and Cultural Studies" investigates media such as films and images, analyzing their cultural significance. The third area, "American History and Society," examines changes in American society and politics, emphasizing the evaluation of historical sources. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a deep understanding of American literature, culture, and history, preparing them for diverse career paths.

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

Proof of English language skills by certificates or another equivalent form of proof recognized by the examination office (level C1), e.g. a) TOEFL (internet based at least 110 points, computer-based at least 270 points, paper based at least 637 points) or b) IELTS (at least 7.0 in all 4 categories) or c) a BA degree from Goethe University Frankfurt in American Studies or English Studies or a comparable degree from a different university or a degree from an English-speaking country If none of the above is presented at the time of application, the examination office may grant provisional admission. In this case, proof of English language skills must be presented at the latest at the end of the first semester.

Qualification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in American Studies or related subject (e.g. English, Cultural Studies, history) If applicants do not hold a bachelor’s degree in American Studies, they are required to have a) successfully completed at least 4 courses that focused on the literature, culture, and/or history of the United States. If applicants' transcripts do not indicate which courses concentrated on the United States, they should enclose copies of relevant course syllabi and b) considerable knowledge of major methodological approaches utilized in literary and cultural studies. Applicants are advised to enclose course syllabi that indicate what types of methodologies were studied. The admissions committee may admit exceptional applicants who do not fulfill above-mentioned requirements on the condition that they complete additional course work during the first year of the master’s program. "Proof of English language skills by certificates or another equivalent form of proof recognized by the examination office (level C1), e.g. a) TOEFL (internet based at least 110 points, computer-based at least 270 points, paper based at least 637 points) or b) IELTS (at least 7.0 in all 4 categories) or c) a BA degree from Goethe University Frankfurt in American Studies or English Studies or a comparable degree from a different university or a degree from an English-speaking country If none of the above is presented at the time of application, the examination office may grant provisional admission. In this case, proof of English language skills must be presented at the latest at the end of the first semester."

Document Requirements

if you are not already enrolled at Goethe-University Frankfurt: a university entrance qualification (e.g. A-Levels) Bachelor’s degree certificate with an overview of achievement (for foreign certificates: please also provide a certified copy in English or German) Course syllabi that help the admissions committee determine the breadth of applicants’ knowledge of the United States and the various methodologies that are required to study its literature, culture, and history. if the Bachelor's degree has not yet been completed: - a transcript of records or equivalent document listing the content of the study programme and average grade - letter of recommendation from your supervisor (Download in the online application portal or here) - proof of current enrollment in the bachelor programme proof of English language skills (C1) Declaration of examination claim (Download in the online application portal or here) APS certificate for applicants from India, Vietnam and China (original)