The three-year Bachelor’s program in American Studies is divided into two semesters and four periods per year. At the end of each period, you will have a series of exams to test what you have learned. You can find the dates of the teaching periods, holidays and national celebrations on the Academic calender on the Radboud University website.
Programme
When you register for the Bachelor degree programme in English Language and Culture, you indicate which specialization you wish to do: American Studies or English Language and Culture. When you choose American Studies, you will study American society and culture and you will learn American English. More information on the English Language and Culture specialization (which focuses on British literature and culture and British English) can be found on the English Language and Culture website.
During the American Studies Bachelor's program, you will learn about US culture, politics, literature, history, media and the structure of the English language. And, of course, you will learn to speak English on a professional level. With this goal in mind, all classes are taught entirely in English from the first day on.
Curriculum
Curriculum year 1
The first year of the program will introduce you to the main aspects of the academic study of the English language and American Studies (literature, history, culture, politics and theory) and provide you with American-English language proficiency and linguistics training. In addition, you will learn to critically read American literary texts, be familiarized with the methodologies needed to analyze literary texts in an academic context and critically approach the United States' history.
In the second year of American Studies, the topics and approaches to studying North American society expand to include media, popular culture, art history and foreign policy and go more in-depth through thematic seminars on topics such as American identity and diversity, social movements, and contemporary engagements with of the 19th century. The attention to linguistics and spoken and written English fluency continues throughout the program.
In the third year, theory and practice are combined and you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to find solutions to social issues of topical relevance. This will be done as part of a minor. We offer a variety of minors with a societal theme, varying from gender and diversity to migration and big data. Choosing one of these themes will help you put focus in your program, making it easier to set yourself apart from others when entering the job market.
This study program consists of 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) per year. At the end of the first year you will need to have accumulated a minimum of 45 ECTS in order to receive a positive BSA to continue your studies in the second year. Failing to meet this minimum requirement and receiving a negative BSA means that you are no longer allowed to continue with your studies. Of course, we will consider exceptional circumstances such as illness or other personal factors. Your study advisor or mentor will regularly discuss your study results with you so that you are not faced with any surprises.
Study abroad
During your Bachelor's program, you will have the opportunity to go abroad for your studies, internship and/or thesis. You will learn to view things from the perspective of a different culture and you will meet new people; it is an experience that will enrich your life. What’s more, it will enhance your CV. Please see the International Office web page for information about meetings, scholarships, internships and other practical information.
Additional challenge
Are you up for an extra challenge during your studies? Do you find it interesting to think about current, social themes from different academic perspectives? Discover what the Radboud Honours Academy has to offer to achieve your maximum potential during your time as a student.
