COURSE CURRICULUM

The History and American Studies BA offers a structured progression from foundational knowledge to advanced specialisation. In the first year, students build core understanding of American history since independence, US political institutions, and global historical contexts, alongside modules on modern Britain and Europe. They also develop key historical skills through Making History and can tailor their studies with options in areas such as modern culture, film and literature, medieval Europe or children’s literature. The second year deepens engagement with American society, global connections and research methods through core modules on historical perception and research practice. Students can then explore diverse themes through a wide selection of option modules covering gender history, protest movements, dictatorship, modern China, class struggle, heritage practice, and more, allowing them to shape their academic pathway. In the final year, students complete an original dissertation under expert supervision and choose from advanced modules aligned with staff research, including topics such as Roosevelt’s presidency, the Civil Rights Movement, migration, global histories of punishment, fashion, and political development. This structure enables students to gradually specialise while gaining strong analytical, research and historical interpretation skills across American, British, European and global contexts.