American and Canadian Literature, History and Culture BA

This course provides you with the opportunity to study the literature, history, politics, music, visual arts and popular culture (notably film and television) of the United States and Canada. The analytical and research skills you develop will help you to gain in-depth knowledge of major literary theories, political ideas and historical debates as they relate to a North American context.
If your degree includes a year abroad (T704 students), this will give you greater insights into North American society and culture, and you will also prove you are resourceful, independent and can adapt to new situations.
Year one
You are introduced to the basic themes and events of American history and the key authors and texts of American literature, as well as Canadian literature, film and culture. These introductory modules provide the foundation upon which the programme will subsequently build. You will learn and practise technical skills, developing your abilities in research, writing, and argumentation.
Year two
In addition to core modules on North American Regions and Key Texts in Social and Political Thought, which develop themes covered in the first year, you can choose from a range of specialised modules that will allow you to study certain periods, events, authors or texts in more depth. You will also be given the opportunity to select modules from other schools.
Year three
You will continue and extend the process of specialisation you began in year two which explores themes of identity and experience through a range of literary texts. You will write a dissertation on a subject of your choice, supervised by staff, and you will choose from a range of advanced-level modules in North American history, literature, culture and film, led by staff who are active researchers in these areas.