North American Studies

North American Studies at the Free University of Berlin offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the United States and Canada, their history, culture, society, politics, and their global role. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of North American societies through a variety of perspectives, fostering critical thinking and intercultural competence. Students will engage with topics such as American and Canadian history, literature, political science, sociology, and economics, enabling them to analyze complex social developments and cultural phenomena. The curriculum integrates both theoretical approaches and practical insights, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, journalism, cultural management, academia, and other fields that require expertise in North American issues. The program emphasizes language proficiency, intercultural communication skills, and analytical abilities, offering a rich academic environment complemented by workshops, seminars, and potentially exchange programs with partner institutions in North America. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will examine key themes like democracy, multiculturalism, globalization, Indigenous peoples, and transnational relations. The faculty comprises experienced scholars in American and Canadian Studies, dedicated to fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. Graduates of the North American Studies program will be equipped with a nuanced understanding of North America's political structures, social challenges, cultural diversity, and its influence on global affairs. This program prepares students for various professional paths in diplomacy, international organizations, media, cultural institutions, and research, enabling them to operate effectively in a globalized world.

Educational organisation

Students are required to complete 120 credit points to receive a degree. These credit points will be earned through coursework in two areas of concentration and three interdisciplinary modules. The interdisciplinary courses in theory and methodology will address questions of cultural exchange and transfer by exploring the relevant theoretical approaches from the various subdisciplines which are part of the MA programme.
Students will write their Master's thesis in one of their two areas of concentration.

Internships

Students are encouraged to do an internship during the course of their studies. However, this is not a mandatory requirement. For internship opportunities, please contact the internship coordinator of the institute.

Forms of assessment

Each course concludes with a written exam or paper. After completion of the third semester, students prepare a 60-page Master's thesis. Final oral exams (60 min.) are conducted in English.

Course objectives

The programme will prepare students to work as experts and advisers in the fields of politics and administration, commerce and industry, diplomacy, publishing, education and research, and with international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), cultural institutions and the media.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency at level C1 of The European Language Certificate (TELC) or equivalent and French or Spanish proficiency at level B1 TELC or equivalent.

Academic requirements

An excellent BA degree in a programme of relevance to North American Studies (history, culture, literature, political science, sociology, economics) or equivalent (e.g. an interdisciplinary BA programme that includes some of these subjects) is required for admission.

Enrolment fees

There is an enrolment fee of approx. 200 EUR per semester, which also includes a semester ticket for public transport in Berlin (BVG).

Costs of living

Depending on the type of accommodation, approx. 800 EUR per month should be calculated for general living costs, books, health insurance and accommodation.

Job opportunities

Non-EU students should be aware that student visas entail strict regulations regarding work. Please note that the MA programme is designed as a full-time study programme.

Arrival support

The International Office at Freie Universität Berlin offers help to foreign students:
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/abt-4/mobilitaet/stud_in/index.html

Accommodation

For accommodation in a student residence, please apply to the Studentenwerk: http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/wohnen/index.html
Since places are limited, students frequently share an apartment (Wohngemeinschaft - "WG"). Please see the link catalogue compiled by the International Office: http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/international/index.html