American Studies

American studies examines the United States as a cultural, political, historical, and social entity, approaching it through the lenses of history, literature, film, politics, sociology, and cultural theory. The United States has exerted a disproportionate global influence for more than a century, shaping world politics, popular culture, technology, and economic systems in ways that make understanding America essential for understanding the contemporary world. American studies as a discipline asks not just what has happened in the United States but what it means, how it has been represented, and who has been included in or excluded from the American story.

The University of Essex offers this five-year full-time programme, which includes a foundation year and a year abroad. The foundation year builds the academic skills and contextual knowledge needed before you engage with the full degree content, while the year abroad provides the opportunity to study in the United States, giving you first-hand experience of the country and culture you are studying. Essex has a strong tradition in American studies, with research covering US politics, African American culture, literature, film, and the history of the Americas.

You will study US history and politics, American literature and film, race and ethnicity, gender, cultural theory, and the global contexts that have shaped and been shaped by American power.

Graduates in American studies go on to work in journalism, the civil service, diplomacy, education, cultural organisations, publishing, film, and international business. Many continue to postgraduate study in American history, US politics, cultural studies, or area studies, and some pursue doctoral research in specialisms such as African American studies, US foreign policy, or American literature. The ability to understand the United States with genuine depth and critical perspective is valued across many international and culturally engaged careers.