COURSE CURRICULUM

The American History degree provides a rich and interdisciplinary foundation for exploring the political, social, and cultural development of the United States. In the first year, students gain a comprehensive overview of American history from the late eighteenth century to the Cold War, examining key themes such as the Constitution, civil rights, and America’s global rise. Modules like Introduction to American Studies and Introduction to 20th Century American History help students contextualize current issues such as racial inequality and political division through a deep understanding of their historical roots. Simultaneously, students engage with broader historical methodologies and philosophical frameworks in modules like Doing History and Rights & Wrongs, building the critical tools needed for historical analysis. In the second year, the degree becomes more thematic, offering students the opportunity to tailor their learning through focused modules such as The Politics of Storytelling and The Politics of American Visual Culture. These modules explore the power of narrative and visual media in shaping American identity and understanding, using approaches from history, literature, film, and critical theory. Students investigate how cultural representations influence public perception, reinforcing or challenging systems of power related to race, gender, and sexuality. In the final year, students undertake a dissertation on a topic of their choice, allowing them to delve deeply into an area of personal and academic interest. Guided by a faculty supervisor, this extended project encourages independent research and critical engagement with primary and secondary sources. Throughout the course, students develop key skills in research, communication, and critical thinking, preparing them for a wide range of careers or further academic study. The degree not only equips students with a nuanced understanding of American history but also fosters a broader awareness of how history shapes the present.