American Studies

American Studies at the University of Groningen offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary programme that explores the diverse cultural, social, political, and historical aspects of the United States. This programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of American society, its complex identity, and its influence on global affairs. Through a combination of courses in history, literature, sociology, politics, and culture, students gain a broad perspective on the development of the United States from its inception to the present day. The programme encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to assess various perspectives and develop their own informed viewpoints on key issues facing America today. Students will explore topics such as American history, literature, cinema, politics, race relations, and cultural identities, often through engaging seminars, research projects, and interactive discussions. The programme also emphasizes the importance of intercultural understanding and global context, preparing students for careers in international relations, cultural diplomacy, journalism, education, or further academic research. With access to extensive resources and expert faculty members, students have the opportunity to undertake in-depth research and develop their academic and professional skills. The University of Groningen’s American Studies programme is ideal for students fascinated by American history and culture, eager to gain a nuanced understanding of one of the most influential countries in the world, and looking to develop a versatile skill set for a variety of international careers. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to analyze complex social phenomena, communicate effectively across cultures, and contribute thoughtfully to discussions on American affairs within a global context.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 1951 Year (EEA)
• EUR 7800 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

• 1st year

  The first year will introduce you to multiple aspects of recent and contemporary American society, including its cultural and political history, race and gender relations, and market economy. You will gain a high level of oral and written competency in English through the program's Rhetoric and Composition course which will prepare you to effectively give presentations and write argumentative essays for the program's other English-taught courses.

  In addition, you can tailor-fit the curriculum to fit your interests through the Special Topics courses and by choosing a Minor in either Spanish, Film Studies, International Relations, Non-Western Studies, Communication and Information Science, or Media and Journalistic Culture.

• 2nd year

  During the second year, you will continue your interdisciplinary coursework in early American history and culture as well as begin to explore the media landscape of the Americas through the study of Media Theory and Popular Culture. You will demonstrate your increased theoretical and practical knowledge by combining what you have learned from the first year with your own thoughts and research.

• 3rd year

  The third and final year of the Bachelor program will consist of advanced-level courses and a research seminar. More importantly, in the first semester of the third year, you will have an opportunity to pursue a cross-cultural experience by studying abroad for a semester at one of our exchange partner universities in the U.S. This is your chance to fully explore the country and culture which you have been studying – a life-changing experience for students, both academically and personally!

  If you are unable to study abroad, you may take an additional minor or do an internship. You will conclude your degree with a Capstone project.

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  Master's Program:

  Once you have completed your Bachelor program, you may consider continuing on to pursue a Master's degree in American Studies. In this one-year graduate program, you specialize in one of three tracks, including: a Cultural-Historical Track with an emphasis on Early America and its transatlantic relations; a Socio-Political Track with an emphasis on hemispheric American and international relations; and a Media Track with an emphasis on popular culture, journalism, literature, film, music and other media.

  Additionally, you will have the opportunity to pursue a cross-cultural experience by either doing an internship or studying abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities in the U.S. The program will culminate in a Dissertation focused on a topic of your choice within American Studies.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 100

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Specific requirements / More information

• language test

• previous education

Dutch VWO diploma, a German Abitur, an International Baccalaureate diploma, a European Baccalaureate or another diploma that is sufficient for acceptance to a Dutch university.

• CM
• EM
• NG
• NT
• HBO-p

  As of 1 September 2015, students will no longer be automatically granted admission to this degree program on the basis of a Dutch HBO propaedeutic certificate (in combination with a Dutch HAVO diploma). The degree program may set additional requirements. Please contact the academic advisor for more information.

Admission requirements

Specific requirements / More information

• language test

Minimum language requirement for BA: VWO English grade 7

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Groningen.

American Studies at the University of Groningen is an interdisciplinary program that explores the diverse cultural, social, political, and historical aspects of the United States. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and comparative analysis, allowing students to examine American society in both historical and contemporary contexts. Throughout the program, students engage with a wide range of disciplines, including history, literature, sociology, political science, and media studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of American culture and society.

The program is designed to develop students’ analytical skills and cultural awareness, preparing them for careers in international relations, cultural management, journalism, education, and further academic research. Students learn to analyze American popular culture, political systems, social movements, and history, along with issues like race, ethnicity, gender, and identity. Courses often include American history, American literature, contemporary issues in the US, and courses on American society and culture.

Interaction with native speakers and internships may be available, offering practical experience and language practice essential for a global career. The program promotes an international perspective and encourages students to compare American practices with those in the Netherlands and Europe broadly. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs, which enhance intercultural skills and expand academic horizons.

Graduates of the American Studies program are equipped with versatile skills useful in various professional fields, including diplomacy, international organizations, cultural institutions, media, education, and business. The program typically offers teaching in English and is aimed at students with a strong interest in American culture and society who wish to gain a deep, nuanced understanding of the United States from an academic perspective. The university provides modern facilities, experienced faculty, and extensive resources to support student learning and research. Overall, the American Studies program at the University of Groningen offers a rigorous, comprehensive education that prepares students to analyze and interpret the complexities of American society in a global context.