BA American Studies

Institution University of Leicester
Method At the institution
Location Leicester
Type Undergraduate
Course fee By request

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BA American Studies

Objectives Our degrees offer an exciting multidisciplinary approach to the United States. Introduced to the history, literature, visual culture and politics of America in the early part of the degrees, later on you will be able to specialise in the areas you find most rewarding.
Entry requirements Entry Requirements

* A/AS Levels: Three A levels usually required, two AS levels considered in place of one A Level. General Studies is accepted.
* GCSE: No specific requirements.
* Access to HE: Pass, with at least the requisite credits at level 3.
* European Baccalaureate: Pass with 65% overall.
* International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 32 points.
* BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DMM.
* Leicestershire Progression Accord: T700: 250-310 points plus full Accord credits. T701: 270-330 points plus full Accord credits.
* Other Qualifications: Other national and international qualifications welcomed.
* Mature students welcomed: Alternative qualifications considered.
* Second Year Entry: Possible for those with advanced qualifications strictly comparable with our degree structure.
* Interviews not normally required.
* All applicants receiving an offer will be invited to visit the Centre.
* These degrees are not available on a part-time basis.
Academic title BA American Studies
Course description BA American Studies

Programme

First Year

The course examines the history of America from settlement to superpower, 1607 to the present. The major historical themes and events are studied. The literature courses deal with the classic texts of the American literary tradition and the achievements of more recent twentieth-century writers. The development of American government and political institutions is introduced and examined. A seminar course explores themes on the American West.

Second Year

Specialist courses examine the cultural and ethnic diversity of the United States and broaden the range of disciplines. Multicultural History and Literature; American Film and Visual Culture; and the American City are some of the core modules. Additionally, in the second semester students choose between three history courses on US Foreign Policy and American Slavery.

Third Year

You will complete the degree with two options in each semester, chosen from a wide range including Contemporary North American Texts, American Culture in the 1950s and 1960s, Anti-Communism in American Life, The Forms of American Poetry, Women in American Society, US Foreign Policy in the Cold War, Hollywood Melodrama, The American Presidency, The Civil Rights Movement, Childhood and Adolescence in Postwar Texts, American Autobiography, American Culture after 9/11, The USA and Vietnam,and American Literary Adaptations. You will also write a dissertation on the topic of your choice. Recent student dissertations have included: ‘The Films of Oliver Stone’, ‘Witchcraft in Salem’ and ‘The Rise of Gangsterism’.