English-Speaking Cultures – (B.A.)

Contents

In the degree program students acquire critical academic knowledge of the field, and they develop a number of key skills that enable them to critically evaluate processes of social and cultural change and take an active part in shaping civil society.

The degree program enables students to prepare for professional practice in various fields inside and outside the academy. Students gain academic knowledge not only of local and global contexts of English-speaking cultures, but also train key competencies which enable them to take up careers in professional fields in which English is the lingua franca of international communication. Besides advanced competence in the English language up to C2 level (near-native competence) these include: techniques of information, mediation and management, written competency in German and English, presentation techniques, study techniques, general didactical skills, transcultural communication skills with regard to the recognition, identification and handling of cultural differences.

Area foci/ modules for advanced specialisation

The degree program encompasses interdisciplinary thematic areas of literary science, language sciences and cultural studies, as well as language practice. Students studying for a career in teaching also attend courses in didactics as part of their teacher training.

General Studies

General Studies account for 25% of the study programme. These courses train key competences for subsequent career fields. By building their own individual specialities, students are able to shape and amplify their academic profile.
School-related studies for trainee teachers - general, incl. studies in education In this programme area, subject-related studies in the field of teacher training are supplemented with courses dealing with teaching practice. This programme area comprises 25% to 50% of studies in the field of teacher training, depending on the type of school envisaged. It encompasses the following topics: studies in education, subject didactics, internships and key qualifications.

Work practicals

For non-school career fields: internships as a component of career orientation within General Studies are obligatory.

For careers as school teachers: teaching practice are being required.

Semester abroad

It is obligatory for students with English-Speaking cultures as a "major" (Hauptfach) to spend one semester abroad (undertaken in the winter semester of the degree program's third year).