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Transatlantic Studies

What is distinctive about Transatlantic Studies?

Transatlantic Studies is part of the Institute for Transatlantic, European and American Studies (ITEAS) at the University of Dundee. This exciting new Joint Honours degree programme is the only one of its kind in Scotland. The programme is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary in its approach in that we examine a wide array of perspectives on what is happening in our world today, in courses taught by leading scholars in the fields of Transatlantic and International studies. We look at the relationships between Europe and America from the views of Politics, Economics, History, Philosophy, English and Geography, as well as Town & Regional Planning and Languages.

Your courses will give you a truly 'international' flavour in your outlook and provide you with opportunities to travel to, and study, in the United States, Canada, or a number of sites throughout Europe via the Transatlantic Student Exchange programme, Erasmus and Socrates European Exchange programmes and through various course offerings. Additionally, you will have the chance to hear some of the top scholars and policy makers in the world as they come to Dundee to give lectures, seminars, and conferences through ITEAS.

Module Content

Level 1

Level 1 modules offer an introduction to the study of the Transatlantic world and interdisciplinary approaches.

Core: Changing World Order Since 1945 - AG12024 Semester 2 Credits 20
This module seeks to provide an understanding of the ways in which geographers, historians and political scientists work, and to offer a multidisciplinary study of world order since 1945. It will examine some of the major debates concerning the world order since 1945 with particular reference to the origins and impact of the Cold War and the dynamics of the post-Cold War international system.

You are encouraged, though not required, to take the History module 'The Making of the British Atlantic Empire, 1603-1763'.
You may also take one of the Level 1 English options, including Film, or the Geography option 'Environment for Life'

Level 2

Core: International Relations - PO21001 Semester 1 Credits 20
This module is designed to introduce students to the structures and processes which characterise relationships in the contemporary international system, and to place these structures and processes in their historical context. It aims to encourage the development of a truly 'global' perspective on politics by demonstrating the range and extent of 'non-domestic' influences on national political and economic systems.

Two additional options, to include one American and one European based subject, from a list of approved modules.

Level 3

Study Abroad students may take level 3 modules, however, evidence of prior knowledge may be required in the form of transcripts. To find out more about this contact us.

Politics of Transatlantic Relations - PO32003 Semester 2 Credits 30
This module examines the contemporary transatlantic alliance. Although it mainly focuses on security issues, it also considers the wider transatlantic relationship, including trade and environmental issues.
The Making of Contemporary Africa - AG32001 Semester 2 Credits 30
This module will introduce you to the main themes of the recent history of sub-Saharan Africa and the continent's contemporary politics.
Scots on the Move: A Century of Scottish Emigration, c. 1830-1930 - HY32008 Semester 2 Credits 30
This course looks at demographic change in Scotland over the period between 1830 and 1930. This module will examine theories and explanations of population growth as well as population movement; why the Scots were so migratory within the borders of Scotland, and why so many Scots left their homeland.
Early American History - HY32018 Semester 2 Credits 30
This module examines the development of American society in the British North American colonies from their first settlement in 1607 to the era of the American Revolution. This module will focus on exploring the forces which were responsible for the transformation of Europeans into Americans.
Population Geography - GE31003 Semester 1 Credits 30
This module focuses on demographic change in the developed and developing worlds and addresses key questions about processes such as mortality, fertility and internal migration.
Urban Geography - GE32005 Semester 2  
Focused on the dynamics of cities in the developed world, the issues this module addresses include the impacts of globalisation on the economic fortunes of cities, the segregation of social groups in urban areas, and the reasons why social problems like health, crime and poverty are clustered in different parts of the city.
Postmodern Identities/Postmodern Histories 1960-2000 - EN32012 Semester 2 Credits 30
This module introduces students to a range of British Literature (drama, fiction and poetry) of the period 1960-2000, especially literature that engages with the key postmodern themes of history and the subject' (identity).
Mind: Action, Experience and Attitude    
This module aims to give students an understanding of a contemporary field of philosophical study, namely philosophy of mind, through the explanation and discussion of important theories and arguments in the field. For example, an appreciation of the ways in which the theories and arguments identified above interact with each other, relate to and draw on many other areas of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of psychology and philosophy of society.

Level 4

Study Abroad students may take level 4 modules, however, evidence of prior knowledge may be required in the form of transcripts. To find out more about this contact us.

Identities in Contemporary Europe - EZ41003 Semester 1 Credits 30
The theme of this multidisciplinary module will be perceptions of political and cultural identity in Europe. The cases under consideration will vary from year to year, to reflect staff research interests and topicality.
Vision in Film, Literature and Culture - EN42017 Semester 2 Credits 30
This new Level 4 module focuses on the meaning and nature of the visual, the representation of vision and the act of looking or watching. These issues are addressed through a diverse range of texts, including film, television drama, literature, art theory, cultural theory and theory of photography.
US Foreign Policy since 1945 - PO41002 Semester 1 Credits 30
This course will explain the formation and execution of US foreign policy since 1945. The course will end by analysing the challenges of the future and different interpretations of US foreign policy after the Cold War.
International Peacekeeping - PO41004 Semester 1 Credits 30
This module will introduce you to the theories and concepts of international peacekeeping. It will provide you with a clear sense of what peacekeeping is - and what it is not.
The USA and the International Political Economy Since 1945 - PO41007 Semester 1 Credits 30
The first section of this module will explore contrasting Marxist and Socialist theories of imperialism with the views of liberal and social democratic approaches to IPE. The second section will examine the role of the USA in the world economy from 1945 until 2002 and its bilateral relationship with Britain.
The International Politics of Crime and Terrorism - PO42008 Semester 2 Credits 30
The module will introduce students to the international political context in which so-called 'wars' on drugs and on terrorism have become prominent features of international relations. It will provide you with a historical background to these issues, along with a thorough examination of international co-operation concerned with international crime and terrorism.