StudyQA — Bachelor: American Studies

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American Studies at Leipzig University offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the diverse cultures, histories, societies, and political systems of the United States. This bachelor's program immerses students in the linguistic, literary, historical, and social dimensions of American life, fostering a comprehensive understanding of a nation that has significantly influenced global developments. Throughout the course, students examine key themes such as American literature, cultural movements, civil rights history, political institutions, and contemporary social issues, gaining insights into the complexities and contradictions of American identity. The program encourages critical thinking and analytical skills through a combination of lectures, seminars, and project work, enabling students to engage actively with primary and secondary sources. Additionally, students have opportunities to study American language, media, and popular culture, as well as participation in exchange programs, internships, and research projects to enhance practical understanding and international experience. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for careers in international relations, cultural management, journalism, education, or further academic research. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary methods, the program promotes intercultural competence and global awareness, equipping students to critically analyze American phenomena in a global context. Faculty members are experts in various fields, including American history, literature, political science, and cultural studies, ensuring a rich academic environment. Graduates of the American Studies program at Leipzig University will leave with a deep understanding of America’s multifaceted society and the skills necessary to interpret its ongoing influence worldwide.

Educational organisation

In the first year, students are provided with academic skills and tools to prosper during their studies. These consist of four independent and reinforcing modules:

Literature and Culture I
Society, History, and Politics I
Introduction to Linguistics for American Studies
Professional Skills Module iTASK - international, interdisciplinary, integrated: Technical, Academic, Soft and Career Skills

After the first year, students can combine modules to create their own tailor-made interdisciplinary specialisation depending on their personal and professional interests and goals. These modules include:

Society, History, and Politics II and III
Literature and Culture II and III
The Anglo-American World in a Global Context
Ethnicity and Diversity
Picador Seminars and Fulbright Lectures
Project Module
Language and Society - Applied Linguistics
Language and Society - Language in Transition

Study abroad unit(s)

Study abroad is strongly encouraged at American Studies Leipzig. In close cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), American Studies Leipzig offers a BA American Studies with Transatlantic Capstone Programme, the "Bachelor Plus," for highly qualified BA students who will spend a year abroad at Ohio University's Global Leadership Center, one of the leading state research universities in the United States.
Study abroad is also possible at one of our nine partner universities in the US and through study abroad networks (for example, Erasmus+, the Utrecht Network and MAUI/AEN). Credits earned abroad can be accredited to the BA degree by the institute.

Internships

An internship module allows students to earn credit for a wide variety of internships.

Forms of assessment

Student receive a grade for each module. The assessment is typically based on a written test and/or a research paper and a presentation.
Students also receive a comprehensive grade for the entire BA programme. This consists of the average of grades received for the modules, plus the grade received for the BA thesis.

Course objectives

The BA in American Studies prepares students for professional international careers in fields including education, cultural affairs, media, international and non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and politics.
The professional skills module empowers students to develop conceptual, analytical, communicative and career skills. Presentation skills are practised throughout the programme.

Language requirements

Evidence of English skills corresponding to the B2 level and German skills corresponding to the C1 level of the Common European Reference Frame at the time of enrolment.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Secondary school-leaving certificate (e.g. Baccalaureate, O- and A-Levels; for US students: high school diploma and approx. two years of college credits)
You will find more detailed information about requirements on the International Centre's website:
https://www.zv.uni-leipzig.de/en/study/international-study/international-applicants.html

Enrolment fees

Currently, students have to pay 197.50 EUR enrolment fee per semester. This fee covers student services (83 EUR), a semester ticket for public transportation (113 EUR), and the mobility fund (1.50 EUR).

Costs of living

Approx. 500 to 700 EUR per month to cover personal expenses.

Job opportunities

Leipzig offers many job opportunities. These can be found in the service sector, the business sector, logistics (both DHL and Amazon operate from Leipzig), at the Leipzig trade fair, in tourism and branches relating to language and education.
Students can also apply for part-time work at the university.

Funding opportunities within the university

Funding for study abroad is available through PROMOS scholarships and cooperation agreements between the University of Leipzig and over 40 universities worldwide.

Arrival support

Upon arrival in Leipzig, students receive an in-depth introduction to the BA programme in American Studies and to Leipzig during an orientation week.

Services and support for international students

A detailed orientation week is held at the beginning of each winter semester to integrate students academically and personally at Leipzig University and the Institute for American Studies.
The Institute's international coordinator and Leipzig University's International Centre offer counselling services for study abroad programmes.
The student council also offers counselling for academic and personal concerns.