| The most important facts at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Bachelor of Arts (Two-subject Bachelor), Licence (France) Licence (France) |
| Standard period of studies: | 6 semesters |
| Start: | Winter and summer semester |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Admission restrictions: | Open admission |
| Application: | You find information on the application procedure for international students here. |
| Applicants with foreign certificates: | Required course for the Assessment Test (Feststellungsprüfung): S/G- or S-Course To find out if you are required to take the Assessment Test, check your Certificate of Recognition. Proof of German language proficiency is required for the subject French. |
| Deadlines: | Please keep in mind that you need a certification of recognition for all foreign certificates. The recognition process takes up to six weeks and the certificate must be included in your application. Winter semester: June 1 - September 1 Summer semester: December 1 - March 1 If you combine a Two-subject Bachelor whose admission is open with one whose is restricted, the deadlines are: Winter semester: June 1 - July 15 Summer semester: December 1 - January 15 |
| Master: | |
| Homepage: | |
| Faculty: | 05: Faculty of Philosophy and Philology |
| Accreditation: | The accreditation of study programmes for Bachelor and Master Degrees constitutes as a precondition for the granting of state approval. |
Subject Matter
This German-French program for the subject American Studies is made up of the subfields American Studies, Culture Studies, and English Linguistics, and offers students the opportunity to gain and expand their literary, linguistic, and geographical knowledge in two university systems while reflecting on the differing perspectives. Students are able to learn the basics of the field in their home university and then to strengthen their understanding abroad at the partner university. Additionally, they have the chance to study abroad in Canada during their fifth semester. Studying abroad allows students to improve their language ability and academic understanding in an Anglophone society, and gives students the opportunity to examine research topics specific to Canada.
American Studies (Dijon) is always combined with French as a major or minor. The French Licence will be awarded for the subject chosen as a major.
Course Structure
| Semester | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | Mainz | Orientation Year at the Home University |
| 2nd Semester | Mainz | |
| 3rd Semester | Dijon | Study and Internship at Partner University |
| 4th Semester | Dijon | |
| 5th Semester* | Dijon* | Study in a German-French Student Group |
| 6th Semester | Mainz |
* optional stay in Canada
Studying Abroad
Half of the program will be completed at the partner university in Dijon. Additionally, students have the opportunity to study one of the partner universities in Sherbrooke, Québec in their third year (the Francophone Université de Sherbrooke or the Anglophone Bishop’s University).
Required Internships
As part of the major, students are to do a four-week internship—generally in the country of the partner university.
Internships are an important step between university and career, and can help students both with their career plans and with their studies. Interns learn about possible career fields, use academic knowledge in practical contexts, and are able to discover if their job prospects match their expectations and interest. Internships also provide important qualifications, early job experience, and contact to potential employers.
The internship offices at the Haus Burgund in Mainz and the Haus Rheinland-Pfalz in Dijon support students by providing contacts to cultural institutions or firms in the partner region. More information is available on the website of the Dijonbüro.
Foreign Language Skills
Excellent knowledge of English is required. Students must be able to complete written and oral exams in English.
Practical Language Entrance Exam:
Before being accepted to the program, applicants must complete the “Practical Language Entrance Exam” (C1, according to the Common European Framework). The exam is given two weeks before classes begin, and the dates will be listed on the homepage of the Department of English and Linguistics in advance. Students may also provide proof of English ability by submitting equivalent certificates. More information is available on the Homepage of the Department of English and Linguistics.
In order to be admitted to the binational program, students must demonstrate proficiency in French through a certificate showing 5 points or the grade ‘sufficient’ (according to the German school grading system) or a passing grade in at least five years of school classes, or a certificate showing advanced proficiency at at least the B2 level according to the Common European Framework. This certificate may be from a language test for the Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française (DELF B2). Graduation from a French-speaking secondary school is also acceptable, as is an Abi-Bac (simultaneous graduation [Abitur] and completion of the French Baccalaureate).
Proof of German language proficiency is required for the subject French.
Information
The International Office offers counselling for international students about the application process and general information.
Advising regarding choosing, organizing, and applying for the program is available from the Dijonbüro.
The Academic Advisory Office offers specific information on the subject (List available in German only).
The Student representatives give information from a student perspective (List available in German only).
Fields of Work
Publishing, media, libraries, culture and information transfer, academic research institutions, administration and project management, language services, German-French and European institutions