Introduction to American Studies (T7044)

15 credits, Level 4

Autumn teaching

This module will introduce you to a range of key concepts, methodological tools, and theoretical approaches to the interdisciplinary study of American culture. In doing so, it will introduce the analytical and intellectual frameworks that you will use throughout your undergraduate American Studies degree and beyond.

Throughout the module, these concepts, methods, and theories will be applied to a wide range of significant American cultural material, including film, music, images, and, of course, literature. The module also provides you with formal guidance and instruction in the practice of essay writing, referencing, and how to read academic texts effectively.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 26 hours of contact time and about 124 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• American Studies (with a study abroad year) BA
• American Studies and English (with a study abroad year) BA
• American Studies and Film Studies (with a study abroad year) BA
• American Studies and History (with a study abroad year) BA
• American Studies and Politics (with a study abroad year) BA