American Studies Leipzig University

Overview

The aim of the American Studies programme offered by Leipzig University is to convey a complex understanding of the culture and society of the United States as well as competence in dealing with transatlantic topics. 

The BA programme in American Studies is structured around the following four areas:

• Literature and Culture introduces you to US literature and culture. The concept of ‘culture’ is understood such that it includes popular culture, as the term includes films and television series, for example, in addition to classic literary genres.
• In Society, History, and Politics, you explore American history, politics and society and their international contexts.
• Ethnicity and Diversity emphasises the important role played by ethnic diversity in the history and culture of the US. You will gain an overview of the cultures of various ethnic groups in the USA with a focus on their literature.
• Language and Society focuses on American English. After obtaining an overview of the different branches of linguistics, you deal with the role of language in the world:  What social and cultural functions does language fulfil?

Career Prospects

As a graduate of the American Studies BA programme, you can work in the following fields, among others:

• international companies or institutions
• cultural organisations (e.g., development work, exchange organisations or museum work)
• international NGOs
• publishing houses or media
• academic research work at German or international universities
• diverse service institutions (e.g., consulting, PR or communication agencies)
• education institutions