Major
English Studies comprises a diverse set of exciting research fields. Our study programmes are designed to provide a thorough grounding in all of these areas of study, and give ample opportunity to specialise in one of the following fields:
Medieval studies discusses the different stages in the development of English and analyses texts from these periods. Modern anglophone literatures and cultures provides students with a broad knowledge of modern literatures and cultures in English, focusing on areas as diverse as English literature from the 16th century to the present, film and television studies, and post-colonial studies. North American Studies focuses on the innovative transdisciplinary and comparative study of the United States and Canada from their colonial beginnings to the era of postmodern cultural practices. One approach to english linguistics is to analyse how the language system puts meaning into word-form and into sounds and writing, i.e. into language we perceive with our and ears. Based on empirical data, we seek to find out what is possible, what is frequent and why a specific wording is used, e.g. I like that vs. That I like. Another way of looking at language is to focus on the language user and the interactional functions of language. Key topics in applied english linguistics, which investigates language use in social contexts and the underlying cognitive processes involved and works with naturally occurring text and speech as well as with experimental data.
- Structure of the Programme
- Careers
- Bonn
- Requirements
- Fees
- Admissions
- Course Regulations
- More Information
Structure of the Programme
Our B.A. is designed as a three-year programme. Studying abroad, for example at one of our ERASMUS partner universities, is strongly encouraged and supported. English Studies is a major that is accompanied by a minor of your choice. Overview of subjects at the University's website: Link
The following overview comprises the modules of the major, according to the examination regulations starting from WS 2012/13. A module can consist of lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
For a list of of modules for current BA students see: Download pdf.
For a detailed description of the modules see: Module Guide.
Structure (PO2018)
1st year
Compulsory modules are:
- Language I
- Introduction to Language and Communication Studies
- Introduction to Literary and Cultural Studies
You choose one of two modules for each subject:
- Issues in Literary and Cultural Studies
- Issues in Language and Communication Studies
2nd year
Compulsory Modules are:
- Language II/Language III
Advanced Modules (7 of 9):
- North American Literatures and Cultures
- British Literatures and Cultures
- Postcolonial Literatures and Cultures
- Focus on North American Popular Culture
- Focus on English Popular Culture
- English in the Middle Ages
- Medieval Studies
- Language in Culture and Cognition
- Language Structures and Language Functions
- Regional Studies GB/IRL
- Regional Studies North America
3rd year
Intensive Modules (3 of 7):
- British and Irish Studies
- Postcolonial Studies
- Renaissance Studies
- North American Studies
- Applied Linguistics
- Corpus Linguistics
- Medieval Literatures and Cultures
one of those 3 can be one of the following (which offer alternative examination)
- History of the English Language
- Focus on Theory
- Queer and Gender Studiess
- Literatures and Cultures in Comparison
Additionally you have to fulfill the requirements of the Professional Development module, this has to be taken at some point within the duration of your B.A degree. Further Information on the Professional Development module.
In your third year you also write your B.A. thesis on an area related to one of the modules taken that year. The programme is complemented by an attractive variety of scholarly events and activities, including guest lectures, conferences and excursions.
Careers
After receiving your B.A. you can continue your academic education – for example with one of our three Master’s programmes – or embark on your professional life. A unique combination of subject-related and additional qualifications ensure that our graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our graduates are experts in the language and cultures that are shaping globalisation. They are critical readers and accomplished writers with impressive skills in argumentation. Furthermore, they are interculturally competent. Their proficiency in written and spoken English is outstanding. Jobs and internships have helped shape the direction of their careers. Our B.A. graduates work in the media, in public relations for companies and institutions, in publishing, for theatres, museums, libraries, at Goethe Institutes, in education, politics, and, of course, in academia.
Bonn
Bonn is a picturesque city on the Rhine. You will be studying in the former palace of the Archbishop of Cologne. Numerous international organisations have offices in Bonn, such as the United Nations and the Fairtrade Labelling Organization. Several German government agencies are located here, along with the headquarters of the Deutsche Post and Deutsche Telekom. Bonn is part of a region vibrant with media and culture including the TV networks RTL and WDR, the radio stations Deutsche Welle and Deutschlandfunk, museums and theatres of national renown. It is an ideal place to study, to live, and to start your career.
Requirements
- Abitur or equivalent certificate of secondary education.
If you did not receive your Abitur (or equivalent) at a German or international German-language school, you must provide evidence of a high proficiency in German: DSH-1 or equivalent. Proficiency in a third language is desirable.
Fees
The fees for each semester of the programme amount to about €310 Sozialbeitrag. Details: Link.
Admissions
New students are admitted to the programme every winter semester. Classes begin in October.
Please check the website of the Studentensekretariat for detailed information on application deadlines: Link.
Course Regulations (Prüfungsordnung)
The information provided on this website is aimed at future students. It is based on the course regulations that will be valid from winter semester 2018 on. The course regulations can be found here: Download this pdf.
Older versions of the course regulations are available here: Link
More Information
For more information, also see the FAQ section: Link.
For specific questions please contact our Administrative Coordinator (Kustodin) Dr. Nicole Meier: Link
or our Programme Manager/Study Coordinator (Studiengangsmangerin) Dr. Imke Lichterfeld: Link.
Our Resources page holds practical information on studying and living in Bonn, planning your career, and other services of our department and our university: Link.
We encourage you to participate in the Online Self Assessment for our programme before you enroll: Link.
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