Director: Dr Ian Mylchreest
Deputy director: Mr Tony Wood
The Centre for American Studies was established in 1991 to coordinate the faculty's existing strengths in various aspects of American culture. It draws its staff from the departments of English, History, Politics, Visual Arts, Music and Geography, and where relevant courses are offered, from other faculties (Law, Economics and Education). Its approach to American studies is thus interdisciplinary. All members of its staff have undertaken research or teaching at American universities.
Master of Arts in American Studies
The centre offers a master's degree in American studies, which consists of two parts: (1) a twelve-point core course examining a central aspect of American studies and based on an interdisciplinary methodology; and (2) a research thesis of 35-40,000 words, weighted at thirty-six points (75 per cent of the MA). The degree involves one year's full-time work (two years part-time).
Entry requirements
Students undertaking the MA in American studies will be expected to have completed at least two semesters of courses in some aspect of American studies (American history, literature, politics etc.) followed by an honours degree or equivalent, with a grade of H2A or above, in one of the participating disciplines - history, English, politics, visual arts, music, geography.