Welcome to our Faculty of English! 

These pages are currently under construction - the information given is from 2006 and in large parts no longer valid!  

English studies (formally also referred to as “English Philology”) are dedicated to the research of and teaching of the English language and English literature, the societies and cultures of different English-speaking countries as well as the communication of these areas in schools and other institutions.

More than half of all seminars and lectures take place in English.

Study options

*KP = credit points

    English can be studied as a double-major bachelor in either of the following weightings:

      1. As a first or second subject both with 60 KP
      2. As a 30 KP-subject combined with a 90 KP-subject

In addition to these subjects you are also required to take a course in a “Professionalisierungsbereich” a field of professionalisation for teachers

amounting to 60 KP*, which can vary, depending on the individual goals in both studies and profession.

During a Bachelor degree, the fundamental theses, methodologies and theories of English are to be learned. Study aims are (1) an in-depth understanding of the foreign language and its culture on the basis of (2) well-differentiated theoretical and practical knowledge and (3) the capacity to facilitate and to pass on such knowledge in vocationally relevant situations.

English can be studied as a main or a secondary subject.  In the 30 KP studies (secondary subject) the basics are acquired.  The emphasis on a broad spectrum of partial subjects is thought to enable students to be able to act competently in as many vocationally relevant fields of foreign language activity as possible.  In the 60 KP studies (main subject) the theoretical, didactical and linguistic fundamentals are extended, applied and united.  A successful completion of the Bachelor degree is the prerequisite for a Masters course.

The following five partial subjects are studied parallel in a balanced ratio to each other: 
The LITERATURE STUDIES examines novels, dramas, poems and other texts placed in their social context. 
By CULTURAL STUDIES we understand the research into the societies and cultures, above all, of Great Britain (´ British Studies ´) and the USA (´ American Studies ´).
The task of LINGUISTICS is to concern itself with the structure, the historical development and the use of the English language in English-speaking countries. 
The SPECIALISED DIDACTICS examines and develops theories and methods of teaching and learning as well as other aspects of English instruction. 
In LANGUAGE PRACTICE knowledge and practical language use are trained to an advanced level.

Course structure

The completion of a Bachelor is reached in 6 terms.  The lectures are combined into modules, which thematically link teaching and learning units comprising several smaller partial subjects.  For the first two terms they are called basis modules (BM), in the third and fourth terms of consolidation modules and in fifth and sixth terms conclusion modules (AM).  The corresponding work load expected of students is expressed by the KP (credit points).  A KP corresponds to approximately 25-30 working hours.
For the concluding Master one studies for a further 2 to 4 terms.

More exact information about the structure and contents of studies can be found in the examinations regulations and the subject-related info:

Completion and length of studies

Bachelor:

English (6 terms, 2-subject-Bachelor, B.A./ B.Sc.)

Master (planned for  WS 2007/08):

English (4 terms, M.A.)
Primary/Secondary schools (GHR) (2 Semester, M.Ed.)
Special schools (SoPäd) (4 terms, M.Ed.)
Grammar schools (Gym) (4 terms, M.Ed.)
Training colleges (BBS) (4 terms, M.Ed.)

With the Bachelor exam after 6 terms, one has achieved a university qualification, which is in itself most adequate for numerous fields of occupational activity and orientation.  In addition, one can study further, and take the Master examination, thus acquiring the proof of an academic qualification which opens the doors to many different occupations while being, in addition, the prerequisite for a doctorate thesis.  As part of the Bachelor students have often already selected topics which prepare them for the different types of the Master studies.  Most frequently English is selected, in order to enable students to become English teachers.

Study requirements

Whoever has completed the German A-Level i.e. “Abitur” (or an equivalent examination, for example the Z-examination) is allowed to study.  Sufficient knowledge in the English language must be proven by at least 10 points in the English A-Level Leistungsfach or by reaching certain scores in one of the following internationally recognized language tests:  the TOEFL, IELTS, CPE or CAE test.  At the time of inscription this qualification generally may not be older than 3 years.

Whoever aims at achieving the Master of Education for the teaching profession at German schools (Primary/Secondary School) is to provide evidence of his or her knowledge of a further foreign language. For the teaching profession at high schools (Gymnasien) the so-called small “Latinum” is necessary in addition.  All university students reading foreign language subjects for the teaching profession should aim at spending a 3-month or one-term study-relevant period in an appropriate country during their Bachelor.  The department in fact strongly recommends students to spend two terms of foreign study abroad.  Exchange agreements exist with universities in Great Britain, Ireland, the USA and Canada.

That is the formal side of things. Content-wise:  First-year university students bring along joy in languages and in learning.  They can express themselves sophisticatedly in both the German and English language.  They have good basic knowledge in foreign languages, German, history and social studies and, so we recommend, in electronic text processing.

Vocational perspective/Fields of work

Depending upon the choice of subjects and final examinations, there are a wide range of different occupations to choose from.  With a Master of Education (M.Ed.)  employment in public schools is made possible.  With the other Master (M.A.)  there are opportunities in publishing houses, within a journalistic capacity (broadcasting, television, newspaper, PR work in enterprises and administration), in evening school institutions  or colleges of further education, in libraries as well as in teaching and research.

Subject combinations

Depending on the aspired occupation certain combinations must be taken into consideration (see below). With the choice of an occupational goal outside of school all subjects offered in the 2-subject Bachelor can be combined.

Studies abroad

Foreign study for all teaching professions in foreign language subjects applies, ie. all Bachelor students aim to spend one study term or a 3-month study-relevant stay in an appropriate country. The department infact strongly recommends students to spend two terms of foreign study abroad.  Exchange agreements exist with universities in Great Britain, Ireland, the USA and Canada. Further information available on the homepage of the faculty of English/Amerikanistik under www.uni-oldenburg.de/anglistik under year abroad.

Language abilities

Whoever takes a Master of Education for the teaching profession at German lower and upper schools or grammar schools must offer proof of his/her knowledge of a further foreign language.  For the Master of Education for the teaching profession at grammar schools the small Latinum is also necessary.  For further information please search our homepage:  www.uni oldenburg.de/anglistik under current information for language abilities.

The field of professionalisation in studies for the teaching profession

The polyvalent oriented Bachelor of the Oldenburg of Model is divided into three columns.

1. The primary study
2. the secondary subject
3. and the field of professionalisation

This third column, is intended for careers orientation as well as practical experience.  Here general, technical as well as extracurricular abilities and qualifications are obtained.  A further, important component of the field of professionalisation are the non-university practical courses. Each BA student takes two such practical training courses (at least one in school). These practical trainings are vital for the student’s practical experience during studies.

In the teaching profession-specific field of professionalisation modules of the occupational sciences are offered, including educational science, psychology, sociology, politics as well as philosophy.  These subjects are thought to form a basic knowledge in educational and psychological areas, which is the basis for passing on any contents and must only be attended by LA students.

Some links are only available in German language!

Registration: http://www.studium.uni-oldenburg.de/16559.html
International Student Office (ISO): http://www.iso.uni-oldenburg.de/en/17566.html
Exams: http://www.studium.uni-oldenburg.de/16501.html
University Information: http://www.uni-oldenburg.de/uni/international/23673.html