North American Studies: Culture and Literature

North American Studies: Culture and Literature at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg offers students an in-depth exploration of the cultural, literary, and societal developments of North America. This interdisciplinary programme provides a comprehensive understanding of the historical contexts, cultural dynamics, and literary expressions that have shaped North American societies from their indigenous roots to contemporary times. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, from early Native American narratives to modern American and Canadian literature, as well as examine issues such as identity, migration, globalization, and cultural exchange. The curriculum combines language skills, literary analysis, cultural studies, and historical perspectives to prepare graduates for careers in academia, cultural institutions, media, publishing, or international relations. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural competence, and research skills, enabling students to analyze complex cultural phenomena and contribute to ongoing debates about North American identity and diversity. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with expertise in American and Canadian literature, history, film, and cultural studies, providing a rich academic environment. Students can also participate in seminars, workshops, and exchange programmes that foster international collaboration and practical experience. The programme typically culminates in a bachelor’s thesis, allowing students to pursue a specialized research project aligned with their interests. Graduates of North American Studies: Culture and Literature will be well-equipped with linguistic proficiency, analytical abilities, and cultural awareness, opening pathways to diverse professional fields or advanced academic study.

Educational organisation

Modules/Weekly Hours/ECTS Points
1 (1) basic module cultural studies/2+2/10
1 (2) basic module literary studies/2+2/10
1 (3) basic module language skills/2+2/10
2 (4) advanced module cultural studies/2+1/10
2 (5) advanced module literary studies/2+1/10
2 (6) survey module/2/10
3 (7) focus module cultural studies/2/10
3 (8) focus module literary studies/2/10
3 (9) interdisciplinary project module/10
4 MA thesis in cultural or literary studies/30

In the first semester, basic modules (1) and (2) provide the theoretical and methodological basis in cultural and literary studies. These modules consist of a lecture in both North American cultural studies and North American literary studies, and a course in cultural and literary theory. An additional basic module in language training (3) offers the skills needed for academic writing and speaking in English.
In the second semester, advanced modules (4) and (5) are comprised of courses which analyse individual themes and topics in their culturally specific and literary historical contexts. These modules consist of an advanced seminar each as well as a thematically related course on texts in cultural and literary studies. In addition, students acquire a broader overview in a survey module (6), which consists of a lecture and independent study in 19th or 20th century cultural and literary history.
In the third semester, focus modules (7) and (8) enhance the skills and scholarly expertise in selected fields of American studies, and prepare students for their individual research (final thesis). These modules each include an advanced seminar and an independent study. In addition, students visit and participate in or co-organise completely an interdisciplinary lecture series or conference in North American Studies (9). In the fourth semester, students write their MA thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants are encouraged to apply for a year of study abroad at one of our partner universities:

• Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan
• University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia
• Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia
• University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas
• Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota

Alternatively: a DAAD, Fulbright, or VDAC (Verband der Deutsch-Amerikanischen Clubs) grant
For further information, see http://www.americanstudies.phil.uni-erlangen.de/studium/ausland.html and https://www.fau.de/international/wege-ins-ausland/studieren-im-ausland/

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

Oral exams, written papers, portfolios, thesis
(ECTS: see above)

Course objectives

The MA North American Studies trains and enhances

• the ability to apply general approaches and methods in (American) cultural and literary studies to specific research subjects
• the competence to analyse cultural practices and forms of expression in the context of North America's intellectual, cultural and literary history (and in a comparative perspective)
• essential skills in the organisation and management of knowledge
• the command of academic discourse in English
• the ability to critically reflect on important paradigms of cultural and literary theory

Graduates of the MA North American Studies may work in the following fields:

• education
• international organisations
• (inter-)cultural management, cultural institutions
• publishing and journalism
• archives and libraries

Graduates may also apply for a PhD and pursue an academic career in American Studies.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English language proficiency: English C1 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) or equivalent.

Academic requirements

• BA or equivalent, usually in American Studies or English (candidates must provide proof of previous courses taken in English - or preferably American - literature and culture by submitting a written paper in English handed in in one of those courses).
• overall grade of the prior degree: minimum 2.5 (on a scale from 1 to 4); if between 2.51 and 3.5: individual application interview

Enrolment fees

The contribution to student services currently amounts to 42 EUR per semester. An additional charge of 65 EUR per semester covers the mandatory basic "semester ticket", a transit pass that provides students with unlimited access to public transport in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg from 7pm to 6am on weekdays and at all times at weekends. (For an additional optional charge, the validity of the pass can be extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.)

Costs of living

The cost of living can only be approximated very generally, as the needs and living conditions of every student are different.
Rent: 250-600 EUR per month
Health insurance, doctor, medicine: approximately 70 EUR per month
Food: approximately 165 EUR per month
Study materials: approximately 30 EUR per month (depending on the subject)
Transport: minimum 65 EUR per semester
Student services: 42 EUR per semester
For more information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies/costs-of-studying
General information on the average cost of living in Germany is available online: http://www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/financing/costs_of_living

Funding opportunities within the university

The Central Office for International Affairs offers scholarships from Bavarian state funding to allow highly qualified international students in Master's, "Diplom", and State Exam degree courses to complete their degrees.
http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants/bachelors-masters-state-examinations/during-your-studies/scholarships-for-international-students-about-to-graduate/

Arrival support

Departmental staff will provide you with individual advice and support.

Services and support for international students

The Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) will provide you with detailed information on all important topics relating to your studies (study courses, subject combinations, application requirements, support with organising your study programme and complying with all assessment/examination requirements) and on settling in at the beginning of the semester (coping with particular difficulties, changing subjects or suspending studies). For more information, see http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/student-advice.
The Career Service of FAU will provide you with information on career opportunities and the specifics of an application procedure in Germany. For information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/current-students/career-service.
The Student Service Centres (SSC) and student advisers in the faculties will provide you with further advice on your particular course of study. Programme coordinators organise subject-related orientation events and guide you through the entire study period.
The Central Office for International Affairs (RIA) will provide you with detailed information on accommodation, visa issues, and scholarship possibilities. In cooperation with the IBZ, it also organises information events and general orientation courses for first-semester-students.
See: http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants.
The Alumni network provides students with many topics and events for professional advancement. See: http://www.fau.eu/alumni.

Accommodation

Erlangen and Nuremberg are attractive cities with a historic flair and modern infrastructure. Therefore, the housing market is quite tight. FAU will do its best to assist new students in finding accommodation.
Student halls in Erlangen and Nuremberg can only provide accommodation for a small number of students. Another option is the private housing market. If you extend your search to neighbouring towns, such as Fürth and Forchheim, your choice of accommodation is much larger and rents are lower, while the well-developed local public transport system ensures that you're never far away from the university. In addition, there is the option to sublet a room, or you can share a flat with other students. This option not only saves you money but also helps you settle in quickly and make friends in your new home. You can find information to help with your housing search on specialised websites and the university's notice boards.
Detailed information on finding accommodation is available at http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants/important-information.
If you need further assistance, you can also turn to the Accommodation Service of the Central Office for International Affairs (RIA). E-mail: accommodation@fau.de.