English (B.A) (two subjects/teaching profession profile)

The educational objective is to impart the scientific foundations of the subject. Graduates of English Philology are expected to be capable of working independently on scientific papers; of becoming competent in, as well as having expert knowledge of, the language, literature and culture of Great Britain, North America and other English-speaking countries.

Knowledge of the structures, functions and rules of contemporary English. The competence to use established and appropriate methodological analysis of spoken and written English. Knowledge of basic terms, methods and results of synchronic and diachronic philology. Knowledge of the historical development of the English language including older versions of the language.

Knowledge of the theories of foreign language acquisition. Profound knowledge of a particular area of philology; where there is a weighting toward medieval studies: the ability to read, scientifically analyze and to explain texts written in the older versions of the language in their literary and cultural context.

Knowledge of primary specialized terminology, theories and methodology. Overview of the history of British and North American literature and culture (with various weighting possibilities).

The ability to extrapolate appropriately (analysis and interpretation) from diverse literary texts (using audio-visual media) from various periods, as well as being able to classify genre and era.

Insights into the contiguities of British and North American literature and culture with other national literatures and cultures.

Standardized and assured command of contemporary spoken and written English (including the ability to translate from German into English).

The ability to understand English texts (including the ability to translate English texts into German).

Knowledge of basic aspects of modern British and American history (with various weighting possibilities).

Knowledge of essential geographical, political, social, economic and cultural facts of Great Britain and The United States of America, including historical preconditions.

The ability to complement work in other subject areas by incorporating knowledge of culture, history and institutions.

The field in Göttingen, specialized fields, and main research areas

Specialized fields: English Literature and Cultural Studies; North American Studies; Modern English Language (Linguistik); Mediaeval English Language and Literature (Mediävistik); Teaching Methodology of English.