University of East Anglia

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A.- American Studies;M.A.- American History

Format: Campus

Program Description:

This is a one-year, full-time, interdisciplinary programme. Its four units include perspectives on race, ethnicity, foreign relations and cultural theory. The first unit, Theories of American Culture, reads influential theorists, from McLuhan and Marcuse to James and Baudrillard, against literary and film texts. Particular emphasis is placed upon arguments for and against postmodernism. The Struggle for Black Equality analyses African-American strategies for change from the 1890s to the 19Sixtys, focusing on black protest leaders, from Ida B Wells to Martin Luther King, Jr. Native American History situates the history of American Indians within the broad sweep of America's past. It analyses Indian-White relations and introduces students to sources and methods for exploring tribal cultures. American Foreign Policy: Intervention in the Third World begins by discussing long-term historical perspectives on American foreign policy. It then focuses on case studies of American intervention after the Second World War in Southeast Asia, Central America, andthe Middle East. Students are free to choose up to two units from other MA programmes. For example, students with backgrounds in literature may choose Postmodernism/Postwar Fiction; Post-Colonial Writing; or Life-Writing. Students with backgrounds in history or social science may take units from the MA in International Relations, or from other programmes offered by the School of Economic and Social Studies.Students also attend a regular seminar that provides continuity and fosters a sense of common intellectual endeavour. American Studies offers a lively programme of visiting speakers.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No