English Studies Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich

Overview

The English Studies course at Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich covers the subjects of literary studies , linguistics and didactics of the English language and literature , with individual specializations possible. Intensive, in-depth practical language training , including a mandatory stay in an English-speaking country, completes the program.

Key facts

In literary studies, literary texts and other cultural phenomena from the Middle Ages to the present day are analyzed and described in their historical, social, intellectual, literary and media contexts and against the background of the cultural practices that are effective in each case. This is done on the basis of different literary and cultural theoretical approaches and descriptive repertoires.

Linguistics studies the English language in all its dimensions and manifestations. Its aim is to map language structure, language use and language knowledge in all its variants and to identify and explore the principles that give rise to their diversity. 

The social and situational contexts in which the English language is used play just as much of a role as the cognitive processes that take place in language learning and language use and the historical developments that English has undergone to date. Linguistics draws on a wide repertoire of methods, from working with historical manuscripts to analyzing large amounts of text using IT and statistical methods to surveys and laboratory experiments.

The didactics of English language and literature deals in research and teaching with all aspects of learning and teaching the English language as well as English-speaking cultures and literatures in an educational policy context. The course conveys the theoretical and empirical foundations of foreign language teaching and important skills and insights for its effective design.