About American and English Studies, BA - at University of Nottingham
Course overviewThis course gives you the opportunity to gain a comparative overview of English and American literatures and cultures. In American and Canadian Studies, you will examine a wide range of novels, poems, plays and autobiographies reflecting the cultural changes in moving from colony to independence to global power. In English Studies you will be able to explore language, literature and drama from Old English to the present day. Depending on your chosen options, you will study poems, novels, plays (in text and performance) and spoken and written language in the media and advertising. At the beginning of Year two you may apply to transfer to a four-year degree course with a year spent at a North American university, depending on availability of places and academic performance
Year oneIn American Studies, you will be introduced to the basic themes and events of American History, and the key authors and texts of American Literature. In English, you gain familiarity with the practices of working at degree level and are introduced to language and modern literature in core English modules and may be able to choose a module introducing medieval studies or drama.
Year twoIn American Studies, you will broaden your knowledge by undertaking a survey of American thought and culture. Selecting from a range of specialised modules will allow you to study certain periods, events, authors or texts in more depth. In English, you will reflect on, and develop, your first year studies by taking a core module in literary theory and further modules in English Language, Modern Literary Culture, Medieval Studies and/or Performance Analysis.
International study year Students registered for the four-year programme attend a major North American university for one year.
Final yearYou will extend the process of specialisation and by the end of the degree will be expected to show initiative in your work and have some independence of judgement. In American Studies, you will write a dissertation and choose from a selection of advanced level modules in North American History, Literature, Culture and Film. In English, you will choose from a range of advanced level options enabling you to specialise in key areas.
By the end of the courseYou will have a broad and informed understanding of a diverse range of American and English literatures. You will be highly proficient in essay-writing, and will have developed research and presentation skills. If you spent a year abroad, you will have greater insights into North American society and culture through first-hand experience.
