StudyQA — Bachelor: North American Studies

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North American Studies at the Free University of Berlin offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive examination of the history, culture, politics, and society of North America, with a special focus on the United States and Canada. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complex relationships and developments that have shaped the North American continent from the colonial period to the present day. Students will explore topics such as American and Canadian political systems, historical events, cultural movements, literature, and socio-economic challenges, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The curriculum combines modules in history, political science, cultural studies, and linguistics to create a well-rounded academic experience. Students have the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives through seminars, workshops, and research projects, often collaborating with faculty members who are experts in their fields. The program also emphasizes language proficiency, encouraging students to enhance their English skills and appreciating the linguistic diversity within North America. International and exchanges programs are an integral part of the curriculum, enabling students to study abroad and gain first-hand experience of North American societies. Graduates will be prepared for careers in international relations, journalism, cultural management, academia, and other fields that require expertise in North American affairs. Overall, the North American Studies program at the Free University of Berlin combines rigorous academic training with practical experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding and engaging with North American issues in a globalized world.

Educational organisation

After a first phase of basic disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies, the students enter consecutive phases of disciplinary orientation and concentration in two or three disciplines. There is also the option to add a module package from a wide array of other disciplines. Advanced language instruction as well as courses and modules that help to acquire general occupational competence and to establish the employability of the students are integral elements of the curriculum. The curriculum includes a phase of studies abroad, usually in the fifth semester.

Study abroad unit(s)

The curriculum includes an obligatory phase of studies abroad - of a length of at least one semester (extending this phase to a full academic year is encouraged). This phase will be completed either at one of the Freie Universität's partner universities in the United States and Canada or at one of the more than 50 partner institutes offering American Studies in Europe (ERASMUS).

Internships

At least one internship has to be completed as an obligatory element of the curriculum. Programme advisers can assist students in finding and choosing appropriate internships.

Forms of assessment

Study modules have to be completed by one of the following forms of examination: oral examination, written examination, term paper. At the end of the curriculum (sixth semester), a Bachelor's thesis must be written.

Course objectives

Students graduating in North American Studies will have acquired the qualification for disciplinary and interdisciplinary research on North America. In addition to these qualifications, they will have mastered methods of scientific research, given proof of excellent language capabilities and demonstrated practical abilities and knowledgeability related to occupational practices. These achievements qualify the students for consecutive curricula or occupational employment, in that they provide practical and scientific foundations for these pursuits. Students are prepared for employment in the private business sector, in public administration and science with a special emphasis on the Anglo-American world. Students have the possibility to be particularly qualified in the following sectors: business and business counselling, politics and political counselling, diplomatic service, international organisations (GOs and NGOs), media, cultural institutions, communal and state planning and administration, adult education, publishing and libraries.

Language requirements

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

Academic requirements

For the application, a higher education/university entrance qualification is needed.
For application deadlines, see the Freie Universität's academic calendar:
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/studienorganisation/termine/index.html

Enrolment fees

An administrative fee has to be paid for each semester. This includes a ticket for public transport in the wider Berlin area for the duration of the semester. The administrative fee is approx. 300 EUR.

Costs of living

Approx. 850 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

A limited number of student research assistantships are available.

Services and support for international students

Information about services and support for international students can be found on the website of the Freie Universität Berlin: http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/international/studium_fu/index.html