Program Overview

Master of Arts English-Speaking Cultures

The JMU Master of Arts in English-Speaking Cultures is devoted to the systematic study of Anglophone literatures, language phenomena, and cultural formations across the globe. While participants can specialize in American Studies, English Studies, or Linguistics, courses and collaborations within English-Speaking Cultures aim to cross the boundaries between the three subdisciplines.

Program Overview

The program combines interest in the notably different cultures of the British Isles as well as the rich variety of US and North American cultures with the decentralizing pull of English as a 'world language' that unfolds in tremendously significant linguistic, cultural, and medial variations in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and indeed almost every world locality.

Study Period and Structure

English-Speaking Cultures is designed for a study period of two years (four semesters). It can be studied either as a single subject Master (120 credit points) or a double subject Master (45 credit points each + 30 credit points for master thesis).

Applications

Applications are accepted twice yearly. The deadlines are January 15 (to begin studies in the summer term) and July 15 (to begin studies in the winter term).

Areas of Focus

Teaching and studying in the MA program English-Speaking Cultures is pursued in close alignment with the research activities at JMU's Department of English and American Studies. Areas of particular focus within the department include:

• Cultural, aesthetic, and linguistic theory
• Englishes around the world
• Globalization studies
• Regional studies
• Environmental humanities
• Urban studies & research on megacities
• Spatial humanities
• Sound studies & popular music studies

Master Thesis

The master thesis is an integral part of the program, allowing students to delve into specific areas of interest within English-Speaking Cultures.

Research Opportunities

Masters students are integrated into ongoing research and teaching, regularly working closely with faculty as teaching and project assistants in advanced seminar settings. Students specializing in linguistics can apply for an internship at the new research unit Geolingual Studies.

Publication Opportunities

The multilingual (English-German) Denksport:Art blog, together with the Challenges of Modernity and JMU Cultural Studies series with Würzburg University Press (WUP), provide graduate students with opportunities to publish creative and scholarly work in early-career stages.

Career Prospects

Graduates have gone on to careers in higher education, cultural management, publishing, journalism, and international communication, among other fields.

Additional Information

For further details on the program, including study and examination regulations, course offerings, and study plans, please refer to the official university resources.