COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA American Studies program offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the United States, combining history, literature, culture, politics, and cultural theory to provide a comprehensive understanding of its social and global influence. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge through mandatory modules such as A Global Nation: Power, Politics, and Struggle Across the American Century, Introduction to American Literature to 1900, American History to 1877: Columbus to Civil War, Twentieth Century American Literature, and Introduction to American Studies. These modules introduce students to key historical events, literary traditions, and cultural frameworks that shape American society. The second year deepens this knowledge with mandatory modules like African-American History and Culture and American Cultural Studies, while optional courses such as American Film Studies, Cold War America, American Literature and Social Criticism, The American Civil War, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin as a Global Media Event allow students to focus on specific historical and cultural themes. In the third year, students engage in independent research through the Long Essay and select from optional modules including Slavery and the Old South, America Abroad, Love American Style, Occupy Everything, Climate Change and Culture Wars, American Hauntings, James Baldwin in Context, and Novel Democracy. The combination of mandatory and optional modules equips students with critical, analytical, and research skills, preparing them for careers in academia, media, policy, or international organisations, and providing a strong foundation for postgraduate study.