America in the 21st Century (T7051)

15 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

You examine the state of 21st century America and assess the challenges the country faces - evaluating how it is represented globally. You examine a wide range of texts, media, documentary film, fiction, and cultural theory. 

You look at topics including: 

• America as a civilisation
• how American values and concepts have shaped social and cultural formation in American life
• 9/11 and the War on Terror
• community and civic decline in American public life
• the 21st century American city
• race and ethnicity in 21st century America
• the contemporary American novel
• the American West
• political activism and protest
• consumer culture and religion in 21st century America. 

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 2026/27. 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