Film and Television Studies and American Studies BA

Course overview

This course combines multidisciplinary American studies with the study of global film, television and other screen media, to which American artists and industries have contributed substantially across media history. One strand of the course interrogates film and television as art forms and industries, locating them within specific historical and social contexts. The other strand approaches North American literature, history, politics, art and music, situating the US, Canada and ethnic and regional American cultures in transnational and global perspectives. 

Year one

In the first year, students undertake studies in American literature, American history and trace the history of film from the late 19th Century to the present day, encompassing both Hollywood and alternative regimes of representation. Students also look at the separate development of the television medium with particular emphasis on the televisual, or that which is specific to the medium.

Year two

Students choose between a module on American popular culture or approaches to film and TV (covering film and TV narrative, language of textual analysis, and the people who work in the production of film and TV for texts). The second year enables students to broaden and deepen their understanding of core concepts. In American studies, a survey of thought and culture complements the first-year surveys of history and literature and by selecting from a range of modules,  students study certain periods, events, authors and texts in greater depth. In film studies, students explore how film and TV converge in the contemporary media landscape.

Year three

In the final year, students will continue and extend the process of specialisation promoted in the second year. Students write an original research dissertation and follow a programme of advanced study in a choice of modules in film and television and in North American history, literature and culture.

More information

See also the Department of American and Canadian Studies.

Entry requirements

A levels: ABB/AAC, one essay-based subject at A level

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 20 in speaking and 19 in each other element)

Alternative Qualifications

For details please see alternative qualifications page.

Flexible admissions 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

Please see Optional Modules or contact the Department of Culture, Filma and Media for more information.

Typical year-two modules

• American Thought and Culture 1: Settlement to World War 1
• American Thought and Culture 2: 1917-Present
• Transnational Film and Television
• Understanding Cultural Industries
• Film and Television in Social and Cultural Context

Typical year-three modules

• Film Studies Dissertation

Typical optional modules

• Approaches to Film and Television
• Film History 1
• American History 1: 1607-1900
• Approaches to Film and Television
• Television Cultures
• A History of Crime and Punishment in the United States
• American Short Story
• Themes in US Foreign Policy
• Filmmakers and Filmmaking
• Latino Expressive Cultures
   

Careers

You will have acquired in-depth knowledge of specific areas of film and television studies, including production, circulation and cultural reception, and a critical understanding of American history, literature and culture, as well as global screen media and creative industries. You will have completed independent research dissertations, developing transferable skills in critical thinking and media literacy.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the Department of Culture, Film and Media was £17,305 and for graduates of the Department of American and Canadian Studies it was £19,466*

*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