American Studies and English BA

Course overview

This 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 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.

You will also extend the process of specialisation and by the end of the degree will be expected to show initiative in your work and independence of judgement.

Year one

In 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 will have a choice of three core modules from the areas of English language, modern English literature, medieval studies and drama.

Year two

In 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 choose core modules to develop your studies in at least two areas of the discipline. You will also have the opportunity to choose one literary period option, to explore how and why literature can be read in terms of an historical 'age' or 'epoch'.

International study year

Students registered for the four-year programme attend a major North American university for one year.

Final year

You 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.

More information

See also the School of English.

Entry requirements

A levels: AAB, including A in English A-level

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (minimum 19 with 20 in Speaking)

Pearson Test of English (Academic) 67 (minimum score 67).

Alternative qualifications

For details please see the alternative qualifications page

Flexible admisssions policy

We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances.

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• American Literature 1: American Literature to 1900
• American Literature 2: Since 1900

A choice of three out of the following four English modules:

• Introduction to Drama
• Beginners of English
• Studying Literature
• Language and Context

Typical year-two modules

• American Thought and Culture 1: Settlement to World War 1
• American Thought and Culture 2: 1917-Present

Three modules in English covering at least two areas from a choice of options.  See BA English Year Two modules for details.

Typical year-three modules (for those who are taking the International Study option)

Students taking the four-year International Study option spend the third year in North America.

Typical year-three modules (for those not taking the International Study option) 

Please contact the Department of American and Canadian Studies for more information.

For a full list of possible English options, see BA English Final Year modules.

Typical year-four modules (for those who are taking the International Study option)

Please contact the Department of American and Canadian Studies for more information.

For a full list of possible English options, see BA English Final Year modules.

Typical optional modules

• Approaches to American Culture
• Canadian Literature, Film and Culture
• Medieval Englishes: Variation and Continuity
• Crime, Conscience and Correction 1603-1700
• Burning Desires: Vikings in Britain 750-1100
• Nadine Gordimer and JM Coetzee
• Modern Irish Literature and Drama 
• Oscar Wilde: Literature, Consumerism and the Commodification of Culture 
• Caroline Drama
• The Contemporary American Novel
• Asian-American Literature
• North American Film Adaptations

Careers

You 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 insight into North American society and culture through first-hand experience and will have proven you are resourceful, adaptable and able to cope with new and challenging situations.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the Department of American and Canadian Studies was £19,446 and for graduates of the School of English it was £17,645.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11.

Careers Support and Advice

Studying for a degree at The University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take. Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our Careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.  

KIS