Course summary

On this degree you will study many different historical periods, as well as considering the USA from many different angles. This makes it a great choice if you have varied interests and prefer not to be tied down to a single academic subject. By studying American literature, cinema, and popular culture alongside its history, you will build a comprehensive understanding of the USA as a cultural construct and a world power. You will explore America’s place within the world throughout history, and its impact on global culture and politics today. Alongside your American Studies modules, you can study others spanning many different historical periods and locations, from Ancient Rome to Mao’s China. In your final year you will also contribute to some of the ongoing research taking place within the department, taking advantage of the new developments being explored by our academic team. Currently this includes research in the fields of American presidential history, American crime culture, and the history of the Vietnam War. Through our workplace learning modules you will build employable skills and take advantage of some of the great opportunities which come from studying in a city with such a rich history. Our connections include York Museums Trust, York Explore and the Yorkshire and North East Film Archive. Through these partnerships you can explore archived treasures, create historical exhibitions and build professional networks. You can also choose to study abroad in your second year, experiencing America for yourself. You will gain valuable experience of living in another country, developing your independence and initiative.