BA History and American Studies

Duration and Mode of Study

Three years full- time, or four years with a year abroad.

Course Aims

The BA History and American Studies gives you the opportunity to study American History from the eighteenth century to present, as well as studying aspects of British, European and global history over a wide chronological period. You can also pursue modules in politics, film and visual culture which will complement and extend your understanding of both American and world history. As part of the degree students also have the opportunity to apply to study for a year abroad at a partner institution in the USA or Europe.

Course Structure

First Year

In your first year you develop a strong basis for your degree by taking core modules on American, European and global history, US Politics and the American West.

Second Year

In your second year, you build on the core knowledge and skills gained in the first year by looking deeper at the history, politics and social life of the USA through core modules on Ethnicity and Diversity in American Life, Twentieth- Century US Foreign Policy and The American City. You also take the core history module Perceiving the Past and two further options on British, European or world history.

Third Year

In your third year you will choose four modules from a wide range of options in American and non- American history and other disciplines of American Studies. The focus of your third year is on your dissertation supervised in either History or American Studies. If you wish to apply to study for a year abroad then your dissertation must be supervised by a member of staff in American Studies.

Information about core and optional modules taught in the School

For further information about the american studies options, visit the Centre for American Studies