American Studies

The Master of Arts in American Studies (MAS) at the Heidelberg Center for American Studies (HCA) is a pre-eminent interdisciplinary programme aimed at qualified graduate students from around the world. It offers inside knowledge combined with an outside perspective. MAS participants benefit from both excellent teaching by internationally renowned scholars and from an interdisciplinary approach which meets the needs of future leaders. A selection of courses in subjects ranging from American literature and culture to geography, history, law, political science, and theology/religious studies are offered.

Educational organisation

The MAS is an 18-month course, which starts each autumn.
First semester (early October to beginning of February): The first semester starts with an orientation week, followed by a weekly curriculum of four subject courses, two tutorials, one colloquium, one theory and methods course, and a writing skills course. Students have to take four oral exams during the first week of February.
Semester break (February and March): During the lecture-free period, students are expected to write and hand in two research papers.
Second semester (early April to mid-July): The weekly curriculum consists of two subject courses, one tutorial, one interdisciplinary seminar, one colloquium, and one presentation skills course.
Summer break (mid-July to end of September): Students are expected to write and hand in two research papers and develop the topic of their MA thesis.
Third semester (October to end of February): After a thesis workshop, the semester is devoted to the completion of the thesis.
Graduation: April

The MAS consists of the following types of courses taught in English:
1. Lectures/Seminars: The lectures portray general themes in American Studies, presented by scholars from the participating fields. They can be taught either in the form of a lecture or a seminar, depending on the lecturer's choice. Students must attend six lectures/seminars, and from these they choose three as majors and three as minors.
2. Tutorials: The tutorials accompany the lectures/seminars and are designed exclusively for MAS students. They deepen and intensify the contents of the lectures. Students must attend the three tutorials that accompany the lectures in their majors.
3. Colloquium: The HCA invites scholars, graduate students and public figures to present their research or to give lectures on current issues in the USA and in transatlantic relations. The Colloquium provides space for intense discussions and academic exchange.
4. Interdisciplinary Seminars: These seminars take place during the summer semester and focus on analysis from an interdisciplinary perspective. They concentrate on joint activities and approaches in at least two fields (e.g. history and law, American literature and religious studies).
5. Theory and Methods: A weekly class taught during the winter and summer semesters, introducing students to current and past debates on theories and methods in the field of American Studies
6. Writing Skills: A weekly class focusing on improving students' academic writing abilities, taught during the winter semester
7. Presentation Skills: The presentation skills workshop takes place during the summer semester and focuses on improving students' presentation skills.

Forms of assessment

First semester:
Thorough preparation for classes; active participation in classes; four oral exams; two term papers
Credits: 32 ECTS
Second semester:
Thorough preparation for classes; active participation in classes; two oral exams; two term papers
Credits: 27 ECTS
Third semester: MA thesis workshop and MA thesis
Credits: 31 ECTS

Course objectives

Graduates of the MAS profit from their interdisciplinary and intercultural education and are well qualified to either continue on with a PhD or work as experts on the United States in academic institutions, the civil service, the business world, the media, and non-profit organisations.

Language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Good level and better (overall grade with a minimum of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each of the subsections)

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Internet-based version with a minimum score of 90

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Pass at Grade 2

Academic requirements

Degree programme of a minimum of four years of study (equivalent to 240 European Credit Transfer System/ECTS points), a BA degree (equivalent to 210 ECTS) or a previous Master's degree. In some cases credit points can be awarded for professional experience.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester, including student services, students' council, and university administration

Costs of living

Up to 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses including rent

Funding opportunities within the university

In previous years the HCA awarded the following scholarships:
Full Scholarships:

• The Curt Engelhorn Scholarship for an outstanding student covers the MAS tuition fee and a monthly stipend of 660 EUR.
• The Heidemarie Engelhorn Scholarship for an outstanding student covers the MAS tuition fee and a monthly stipend of 660 EUR.
• The Ray & Elfi Carrell Scholarship for an outstanding student covers the MAS tuition fee and a monthly stipend of 660 EUR.
• The Wild Scholarship for an outstanding student from Eastern Europe covers the MAS tuition fee and a monthly stipend of 660 EUR.
• The Wild Scholarship for an outstanding student from North America covers the MAS tuition fee and a monthly stipend of 660 EUR.
• The Wild Scholarship for an outstanding international student covers the MAS tuition fee and a monthly stipend of 660 EUR.

Tuition Fee Scholarships:

• The DAAD Scholarship covers the MAS tuition fee and a monthly stipend of 400 EUR.

In addition, a limited number of tuition fee scholarships are available for qualified German students.
http://www.hca.uni-heidelberg.de/ma/tuition.html

Arrival support

Before the start of the winter semester, students attend a five-day orientation period, during which they receive assistance with enrolment, getting insurance, and setting up a bank account. They also receive an introduction to the university library. Students will also be informed about the exact schedules and requirements of the programme. Furthermore, the institute has set up a buddy programme with German students at the HCA.

Services and support for international students

During the orientation period, the new class receives a thorough introduction (see above) to the institute and the university. Additionally, the three members of the MAS coordination team can be approached regarding further questions. The student-professor ratio at the HCA is approximately 4:1. Additionally, there are six tutors.

Accommodation

Students can apply to the "Studentenwerk" (student services) for a room in one of the university's student residences. Rent for a single room in a student residence ranges from approx. 168 to 577 EUR. Student services can be found at:
http://www.studentenwerk.uni-heidelberg.de/
Accommodation resources at the university are limited. Therefore, it is important that students look for alternative accommodation as soon as possible. A compilation of Heidelberg's most popular private housing websites can be found at: http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/university/life/living.html