COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA American Studies (United States) course is structured over three years to combine interdisciplinary study with specialist knowledge of American history, literature, politics, and culture. In the first year, students build core foundations through modules such as Interdisciplinary Research and Problem-Solving, Ways of Knowing, Introduction to United States Literature, Democracy in Europe and the United States, and Introduction to United States Sociology. Optional modules allow for further exploration across the humanities and social sciences, while the Beyond the BA module provides career and skills development. The second year deepens knowledge of America’s global role through the core module America and the World, alongside compulsory pathways and a wide range of optional modules drawn from literature, history, politics, sociology, and other disciplines. This flexibility allows students to shape their studies around their interests while maintaining a strong American focus. The third year centres on international experience, with students spending either a term or a full year abroad in the United States, immersing themselves in the culture they study. The final year also includes optional modules and culminates in a Capstone project, where students draw together their interdisciplinary learning. This structure ensures graduates leave with specialist knowledge, transferable skills, and valuable international experience.