English Studies - Literature - Language - Culture – (M.A.)

Contents

The degree is awarded on the basis of assessment of

* four modules in literary studies/linguistics/cultural studies
* two modules (one module for English native speakers) in language work
* a research seminar
* a masters thesis

Please note the specific characteristics of our content-modules:

* Modules run for one semester (16 weeks in the winter semester, i.e October-February, and 14 weeks in the summer semester, i.e. April-July), and consist of two parts: a 2-SWS tutorial and a 2-SWS seminar every week.
* A "2-SWS" ("two hours per week per semester") course in Germany lasts for 1 ½ hours, with a quarter of an hour at the beginning and the end to allow you to make your way to other parts of the campus (or have a fag and go to the loo). Thus a 2-SWS course (for instance 10-12) will generally begin at a quarter past the hour (10:15 am) and finish at a quarter to the hour (11:45 am). There is one exception: 08:30 am courses begin on the hour! (Sorry!!)
* Some modules are assessed singly (generally with a long essay) treating the contents of both courses together. Other courses are assessed separately (in two parts), with a specific piece of assessment for the tutorial and a separate piece assessment for the seminar, (for instance a written exam and an essay respectively).
* The modules listed below are unchanging, and are offered on a regular basis. However, the specific content of the seminars and tutorials will differ from semester to semester. In order to discover what the module structure actually contains in any given semester, you must consult the online course handbook ("KVV") for that semester.

1. You are obliged to complete FOUR of the eight available modules in the area of literary studies, linguistics or cultural studies.

* Interfacing Linguistics and Literature
* Literary and Cultural Theories
* Constructing Difference: Literary and Cultural Histories
* Literature and Media
* Negotiating Gender: Constructions, Representations, Theories
* Medieval English Literatures
* Postcolonial Literatures and Varieties of English
* Studying the Present Moment

2. You are obliged to complete TWO of the four language modules on offer. The language modules are spread across two semesters, with part 1 of the respective modules being completed in semester 1, and part 2 being completed in semester 2.

NB: Students whose mother tongue is English can be released from ONE of the modules, but must none the less complete the academic writing module.

* Academic Writing
* Literary Translation
* Communication Skills
* Contemporary Britain: Language and Identity

3. You are obliged to complete a research seminar, which should be taken in parallel to the writing of the master´s thesis.

* Research seminar (Forschungscolloquium)

4. Master´s Thesis

The Master´s Thesis is to be written in English, and is to have a length of 20-25 000 words (30 credits) The thesis must be completed within 26 weeks (6 months, i.e. 1 semester).

*Semester Abroad: We recommend spending 1 semester (ideally the 3rd semester of the four) at one of our partner universities (Queen Mary/University of London, Institute of Education/University of London, University of Edinburgh, University of Essex, Université d´Avignon, ASCA/Universiteit van Amsterdam, Universiteit Gent). EU students can take part in these exchanges under the ERASMUS/SOCRATES schemes. The work done at the partner university will be recognized as part of the assessment for the FU Master´s degree.