American Studies

Snapshot

Why Study at Dundee?

Does globalisation mean that we are condemned to lead our lives at the mercy of American corporations such as Microsoft, McDonalds, and Coca-Cola? Is the totality of our culture to shrivel to the depth of a Disney cartoon or a Hollywood blockbuster? Recent events in global security, economic policy, climate change and political realignment have clearly shown the dominant influence of the world's superpower on the world's future direction.

"Whether we like it or not, America leads the way in the globalisation process and there must be considerable merit in knowing more about the structures shaping the environment in which we will live and work in the 21st century." (Which Course? Vol 29, Issue 7)

Our aim is to provide a holistic approach to the study of the culture and society of America. Whatever your main interest - history, literature, geography, politics - you will have the opportunity to experience a broad-based range of options in American Studies. Also, you will have the opportunity, through our exchange programme, to study in one of an expanding number of universities in the US or Canada.

Our programme is designed to teach the fundamental historical progression of the American 'experiment', while also allowing research specialisations to emerge, in politics, literature, history, the study of global institutions. If you are looking for a forward-thinking, flexible programme with a wide variety of experts on the teaching staff, then this is the place for you.

Employability

The American Studies degree provides you with a wide range of transferable skills which are both important and persuasive to employers. As well as expanding your knowledge, you will also develop analytical and critical skills, the ability to integrate large quantities of complex information to its essential features, the ability to argue rationally, cogently and persuasively, both orally and on paper. The development of excellent communications skills is a key feature of the degree.

American Studies degrees lead to a wide range of career options. Recent graduates have gone into such diverse fields as journalism, politics, information technology, teaching, banking, human resources, the civil service and areas of entrepreneurship.

If you decide to continue your studies at postgraduate level, our MLitt in Early America programme is the only taught MLitt degree in Britain specifically to examine the development of Britain's American colonies from their first settlement through the period of the American Revolution.

Teaching and Assessment

We offer a variety of three- and four-year Joint Honours degrees with one of the other disciplines listed above. All of the core teaching in American Studies comes from the varying perspectives of history, literature and politics.

Our Level 2 modules are taught by a team from across the School of Humanities, to discuss common topics and periods from different disciplinary perspectives. Modules in Levels 3 and 4 are taught by subject specialists within the School, all of whom are active researchers within the field. Many of our modules use different media (film, video, music, novels etc) to examine common themes with different approaches.

In Level 1 you are recommended to take the core module "The Changing World Order" as well as a module in English or History or Politics. In Level 2 you will take one Film Studies module and one American Studies module. These deal with fundamental issues of historical and cultural development in the US, and are designed as an introduction to the Honours programme. You will also take a module in English or History or Politics. These modules will provide you with the necessary background and skills to prepare you for the wide variety of courses available to you in Levels 3 and 4.

Methods of teaching vary due to the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach that we take. Initially, the teaching is mainly through lectures and small group tutorials of about 10 students. As you progress into Levels 3 and 4, many more courses are seminar-based, where you will take an active part in discussions and research. Dundee has excellent IT facilities, and multimedia is used extensively. However, the use of computers is a support to the programme, rather than courses being delivered to students through IT.

Assessment also varies with course choices. Most combine essays with class presentations and end of year exams. Some Level 3 and Level 4 courses use continuous assessment for their final marks.

Special Features

• One of the oldest and largest American Studies programmes in the United Kingdom
• Multi and interdisciplinary in its approach, giving you maximum flexibility in interests
• Opportunity to study in the United States or Canada in year two or three of your studies
• Very active American Studies Student Society that hosts website, newsletter, parties, trips, and numerous events throughout the academic year and serves as buddies for visiting American and Canadian students
• Internationally recognised contributing scholars
• Hosts visiting speakers on a variety of topics such as Native Americans or the 1960s Civil Rights Movement

Programme Content

MA Degree Structure and Overview

Visit the MA overview page for general information on our MA degree programme.

Entry Requirements

2011 Entry Requirements

Your Application

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

The Dundee MA degrees follow the distinctive pattern of many Scottish universities by offering a broad-based education that requires you to study a number of different subjects in Levels 1 and 2 (Level 2 only for the Advanced Entry Honours degrees). You do not have to finalise your choice of degree course until you are better able to appreciate both the nature of the subjects you are studying and the relationships between them. However, you must make an initial choice of course on the application form and we would expect you to provide some evidence of your enthusiasm for your chosen course and details of any relevant experience.

We use a range of learning methods at Dundee: you will be expected to respond to the information and advice provided by academic staff, especially in lectures; to prepare for and participate in tutorial discussion or to work in practical classes; to work individually or in groups on set assignments such as essays and projects; and to 'read round' the subject. Consequently, we are looking for evidence that you are capable of working systematically, of responding to the guidance of your teachers, and that you have both the ability and enthusiasm to successfully complete a degree programme.

The American Studies programme at Dundee is genuinely interdisciplinary and you are expected to take a rounded view of the subject. A wide range of disciplines are offered; the programme is particularly strong in English, History and Politics. You will be required to be aware, through familiarity with quality media, of contemporary developments in US domestic and foreign policy, news reporting, environmental issues and new publications in the field of American Literature.

Tips for your application

What is important to us, in your application, is the evidence provided by the grades you have attained, or are predicted to attain, in your examinations, along with whatever you and your referee can point to indicating both your special interest in any of our subject areas, and your general liveliness of mind.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to say why you should be offered a place to study in Dundee. We are looking for applicants with an ability to express opinions clearly with reasoned support and evidence, who are open to critical guidance, and who have a commitment to high standards of achievement in all they do. These qualities can be demonstrated through academic attainment, paid or voluntary work, and extra-curricular activities of all kinds.

Referees should concisely indicate your analytical abilities, communication skills, capacity for academic work, and commitment to your studies. We will be interested to hear about examples of initiative, leadership, and any evidence of organisational skills. Indicators of a positive outlook and engagement with social and cultural activities will be welcome, as will an assessment of your potential to develop in the university environment.

We will consider applications to one or more MA courses at Dundee: each application will be considered on its merits. We are looking for applicants who either have achieved, or will achieve, the published requirements in terms of Highers, Advanced Highers, A-Levels or acceptable alternative qualifications.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Contact

Karen Simpson
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384 028 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 028 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk