American Studies

Why did American culture, politics, and business became so dominant in the 19th and 20th centuries, and in what directions might it be headed in the 21st century? The programme is linked to the Andrew Hook Centre for American Studies, which hosts visiting speakers for seminars, conferences and other special events. The Centre also welcomes applications for partial or full fees-only Gordon Scholarships in American Studies. From early in the 17th century, Glasgow has been a gateway for economic, social, and cultural exchange between Scotland and North America. The University has been at the forefront of teaching and research in American history and literature since the late 19th century. Programme overview MLitt: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time You will take two core courses and choose two optional courses. The programme draws on a wide array of subject areas: literature, history, film and television studies, popular music, art history, religious studies, archaeology, and politics; to foster understanding of the overarching themes, as well as complexities, of American life. The culmination of the MLitt in American Studies is your dissertation. You will choose a topic based on the breadth of perspectives that you have explored and conduct original primary source research. You will be supported in your research and writing by an assigned supervisor with expertise in your specific field of interest. Core courses Approaches to American studies Topics and methods in American studies. Optional courses may include American counterculture American communities American material culture The politics of race in America Modernity and technology American society and culture in the 1920s and 1930s The Vietnam War in American history and culture. Career prospects The skills you gain – critical, analytical, and written and oral communication skills, as well as the specific understanding of American history and culture – offer you a broad range of career choices. The programme provides you with an excellent foundation to study for a PhD and to establish an academic career. Other graduates have used their specialist knowledge of America in their media, business and teaching careers.