American Culture and Literature
The American Culture and Literature programme offers students a broad and deep understanding of U.S. history, culture, and literature through analysis of texts, historical developments, and cultural contexts. Students examine American novels, poetry, theatre, popular culture, social history and cultural transformations from colonial times to the present day. The programme emphasises critical reading, analytical writing, and cross-cultural awareness. Courses cover American literature, cultural studies, history of American society, film & media studies, and cultural criticism — all aimed at helping students understand how American identity, values, and social issues evolve over time.
Located in Istanbul — a cosmopolitan city with strong academic, cultural and international ties — the programme gives students opportunities to combine theoretical knowledge with practical cultural engagement. Through seminars, translations, comparative literature studies, and possibly exchange or research activities, students can develop a global perspective and strong language skills. The programme fosters critical thinking and cultural awareness, preparing graduates not only for careers in academia or literature, but also for roles in media, publishing, translation, cultural institutions, and international organisations.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Standard period of study: 4 years (8 semesters)
- Location: Erzurum
- Study Type: Undergraduate (full-time)
- Main language: English
- Areas of study: Literature, Culture, History, Media Studies
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Admission modus: With admission requirement
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in American Studies
- Introduction to American History and Society
- Fundamentals of Literary Analysis and Literary Terms
- English Composition & Writing Skills
- Seminar: Understanding Culture and Literature
Semester 2 – American Literature & Cultural Context
- Survey of American Literature I (Colonial to 19th Century)
- Cultural Studies: American Popular Culture
- History of American Society & Institutions
- Seminar: Cultural Identity and Social Change
Semester 3 – Literature, Media & Diversified Culture
- Survey of American Literature II (19th Century to Early 20th Century)
- American Film & Media Studies
- Ethnic & Minority Literatures in the U.S.
- Seminar: Cultural Criticism and Media Analysis
Semester 4 – Advanced Literature & Cultural Analysis
- Contemporary American Literature & Issues
- Comparative Literature / Transnational Perspectives
- Translation Theory & Practice (English ↔ Turkish) or Elective Language Course
- Seminar: Literature, Culture and Globalisation
Semester 5 – Specialization & Research Preparation
- Selected Topics (e.g. American Drama, Gender & Ethnicity in Literature, Visual Culture)
- Literary Theory & Criticism
- Research Methods in Humanities / Cultural Studies
- Writing Seminar: Essay & Research Paper Preparation
Semester 6 – Independent Research & Practical Culture Work
- Independent Study / Research Project I (text analysis, media, translation or cultural study)
- Cultural Projects / Workshops / Media Projects
- Seminar: Contemporary American Social & Cultural Issues
- Elective: Film, Media, Cultural Sociology or Related Course
Semester 7 – Thesis Preparation & Advanced Electives
- Research Project II or Thesis Proposal Development
- Advanced Elective (e.g. American Poetry, Digital Media & Culture, Ethnic Studies)
- Seminar: Critical Theory and Comparative Studies
- Elective Language or Cultural Studies Course
Semester 8 – Thesis / Capstone & Graduation
- Final Thesis / Research Paper or Capstone Project (literature, culture, translation, media)
- Seminar: Presentation Skills & Academic Writing
- Cultural / Literary Event or Publication Project (optional)
- Graduation Requirements and Degree Completion
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme may work in academia as teachers or researchers in literature, cultural studies, translation or American studies. They may also find roles in publishing, editing, journalism, content creation, media and translation services. Other opportunities include cultural institutions, international organisations, tourism and cultural consultancy, museums, libraries, and NGOs working in intercultural communication or cultural exchange. Their deep understanding of American culture, strong English skills and analytical-literary competence make them suitable for roles requiring cross-cultural awareness, writing, critical thinking, and communication.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing American Culture and Literature means joining a programme that combines deep literary and cultural studies with broad social understanding and an international perspective. Students explore American history, society, literature and media while developing strong reading, writing and analytical skills. The programme supports creativity, critical thinking and open-minded learning through an interdisciplinary approach. It also helps students understand global cultural issues and communicate effectively across cultures. This strong foundation prepares them for many academic and professional paths. Such a learning environment gives students confidence as they grow.
Moreover, the programme offers flexibility to focus on literature, media, translation, cultural analysis or social issues depending on students’ interests. Through seminars, research, projects and cultural activities, students build versatile skills that fit many careers. They learn to analyse texts, interpret culture, and understand the links between society and art. These abilities are useful in publishing, education, media, international work or cultural institutions. The programme also encourages students to think independently and express ideas clearly. This helps them stand out in both academic and professional settings.
Contact Information
Atatürk University – Student Advisory Service
Yakutiye Campus
Erzurum, Türkiye
Tel: +90 442 231 11 11
Fax: +90 442 236 16 70
Email: info@atauni.edu.tr
Department of American Culture and Literature – Programme Contact
Faculty of Letters, Atatürk University
Yakutiye Campus, Erzurum, Türkiye
Tel: +90 442 231 15 00
Email: americanculture@atauni.edu.tr
International Office – Atatürk University
Yakutiye Campus
Erzurum, Türkiye
Tel: +90 442 231 14 00
Fax: +90 442 236 16 70
Email: international@atauni.edu.tr
