MA National & Transnational Studies: Literature, Culture, Language, Books

cience. Reflections on nationalism and nationality as cultural (rather than merely political) phenomena: How are nationalism and nationality constructed through literature, language and other forms of cultural expression? Explorations of complex cultural dynamics beyond national frameworks in an increasingly globalised world
(with topics including colonialism & postcolonialism, migration & diasporas, transculturalism, and global Englishes). Africa, Asia, Australia, British Isles, Canada, Caribbean, Indian subcontinent, Pacific, South East Asia, USA, and more. Advanced understanding of theoretical approaches from literary and cultural studies, including reflections on selected approaches from the social sciences (e.g. social anthropology, sociology, political science)
Courses on anglophone literatures and cultures (incl. film and media), English linguistics, and subjects from related disciplines (e.g. other languages and literatures, history, social anthropology)
Combination of taught courses and independent research
International orientation reflected in the possibility of spending one semester abroad. The compulsory module "Work Experience" can likewise be completed abroad
Course language: English
Due to the interdisciplinary orientation and the integrated External Modulem students can participate in thematically relevant courses in other departments and disciplines, where the language of instruction may also be in other languages (e.g. German, Spanish). As the focus of this programme is on anglophone literatures and cultures and on linguistic varieties of English, students will mainly be based in the English Department. Our staff possess a broad range of specialisations, ranging from Shakespeare to Bollywood and from Adam Smith to Zadie Smith. This variety is reflected in our teaching and in the wide range of topics available for students' own research choices. Our MA NTS students form a friendly and lively community that is characteristically shaped by the diversity of students' cultural backgrounds. The high proportion of international applications we receive every year from outside Europe reflects this diversity. Inclusiveness and pluralism are at the heart of this MA programme which is why we especially like to welcome international students to Münster. Interdisciplinary components can be chosen from a number of related fields and departments, such as other literatures and languages, history, or social anthropology. Beyond our established partnerships, our students have also taken classes in fields like sociology and political science. The various options for individual choice and specialisation enable students to develop precisely tailored academic and professional profiles in preparation for national and international careers in both academic and non-academic sectors. Preparation for academic careers (e.g. via PhD study) is facilitated through this Master programme’s strong orientation towards research, as well as towards recent disciplinary and theoretical developments. Preparation for non-academic careers is facilitated through the programme’s emphasis on international perspectives and on transferable skills. Students are trained not only in self-organised independent work, but also in team work and group projects. They develop their media competence and possess advanced English-language skills in oral and written communication. A compulsory module "Work experience" is also part of this programme. Potential fields of employment for our M.A. graduates include academic institutions, media and publishing, advertising and public relations, museums, festival organisation, consulting, national and international organisations dealing with migration, language policy or international cultural relations, as well as multinational private businesses in various sectors.