American Studies, BA - 2017/18

American Studies is a fascinating subject because the United States is one of the most diverse places in the world, with a rich history, a vibrant political culture, world-changing literature and film, and global influence. American Studies is multi-disciplinary, and at Canterbury Christ Church University we have three strands to our course: we study the US through history, literature and media, and foreign policy and politics. The American Studies course operates in a small and friendly environment, and received 100% Overall Satisfaction on the National Student Survey in 2015. American Studies students also have several opportunities to study in North America, which enables them to develop self-confidence, independence, and employability. You will have the opportunity to take part in an annual field trip to a major US city such as New York, or to apply to spend a semester or full year studying at a university in North America. You should know that the American Studies team are not just teachers: we are also professional academics with research publications on topics as varied as Native American history, the CIA, President Barack Obama, lynching, early American newspaper culture, and contemporary literature. This research experience feeds directly into our teaching, especially in year three where modules are shaped according to the research specialism of the tutors running them. We are a small and friendly team who are dedicated to ensuring the best experience for students. Our American Studies degree is jointly rated as the best in the country for overall student satisfaction achieving a score of 100%. National Student Survey, 2015 As much as we love our research, your experience as a student is at the top of our list of priorities, and this is evident in our high rates of student satisfaction in the 2015 National Student Survey. 100% of our students agreed that the American Studies team were enthusiastic about teaching, that the course was intellectually stimulating, that we were good at explaining things, and that we made the subject interesting. We work hard to foster a friendly and supportive learning environment, and 100% of our students felt they received sufficient advice and support with their studies, and detailed comments on their work. We are also particularly proud that 100% of our students felt that the American Studies course had helped them to present themselves with confidence, as this is a key element to getting a good job in the future. "I picked American Studies at Christ Church for the variety of classes that they offered. There are so many interesting things that you have the chance to learn about during your time at university. All of the staff are actively researching meaning their sessions are extremely engaging and they genuinely care about you as the student. I absolutely loved my time on the course and would highly recommend it to anyone." Kieran Thomsett Students on this programme are also eligible to apply to study for a year in North America as part of their degree.