• University information for prospective students

• Why study about the United States?
• What are the degrees like?
• What degrees are available?
• What are the modules like?
• What do students think about American Studies?
• What is the study abroad period like?
• What do American Studies graduates do after graduation?

Why study about the United States?

The United States is an object of fascination and adulation to some, as well as frustration and contempt to others.  Its cultural and commercial products have established themselves in every corner of the globe.  Ever since the French sociologist Alexis de Tocqueville pointed to America as indicating the path of modernization around the world, many have pointed out that what happens in the US often comes to pass elsewhere some years later.  The only world ‘superpower,’ the US rarely fails to attract our attention.  It is described as many things, but it is rarely boring.  Studying the history, literature, art, film, politics, and society of the US is instructive for all those who wish to gain insight into how this fascinating nation ‘ticks’ and why the world seems to be transforming in the ways that it is.

What are the degrees like?

The BA in American (United States) Studies is a degree designed for all those with enthusiasm, passion and intellectual curiosity about all things American.  At Essex, we offer students an opportunity to understand some of the diverse and paradoxical aspects of the US through interdisciplinary studies.  The US - perhaps more than any other society - lends itself to interdisciplinary study; its literature and film are connected to its politics, its cultures are linked to its histories.  Contemporary social issues such as the struggles for racial justice can only be understood by reference to the legacies of slavery and the civil rights movement.  The crisis over environmental protection of the ‘wilderness’ of the Far West can only be understood by looking at the history of Westward movement, manifest destiny, and issues of Native American histories and rights.  These are the kinds of issues students will be looking at in detail at Essex, and much more...

BA (Hons)degrees include :

• BA American (US) Studies (3yrs)
• BA American (US) Studies (4yrs)
• BA Criminology and American Studies (3yrs)
• BA Criminology and American Studies (4yrs)
• BA American (US) Studies with Film (3yrs)
• BA American (US) Studies with Film (4yrs)

Further details of each degree course

Criminology and American Studies offers academic concentrations in criminology provided by the Sociology department (which is ranked in first position in the RAE Results) with other American Studies options.  Students on this degree will be able to study Criminal Justice courses in the US with the possibilities of internships with local police, courts, and criminal justice institutions at some exchange campuses. 

American Studies with Film offers students interested in both the USA and its cinematic output a chance to combine modules that will give a deeper understanding of both areas.  Further information on film is available on the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies website.

What are the modules like?

Over the three or four years of the course, students will be exposed to a wide range of perspectives from within and between the disciplines of political science, sociology, literature, history, art history and film studies. 

In the first year students are introduced to the fundamentals of US history, literature, politics and sociology.  In the second, third and (optional) fourth years students can begin to focus more closely on the topic or topics that are of personal interest, by choosing a range of optional modules.  A diverse range of modules can be taken throughout the degree - from Native American Indian Studies to Hollywood Cinema, from the Greats of American Literature to the Greats of the American Presidency, from the History of the American West to 20th Century Art--in addition to Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and many other areas.   

Please note, the optional modules are subject to change.

Student Profiles

Marta Skeltina, second-year BA American Studies with Film student

I’m from Latvia and I always wanted to experience something new. Coming to Essex was an excellent choice because it’s a very sociable university but also has a fantastic academic reputation. Adapting to a new way of life was surprisingly easy because you make lots of new friends and you’re provided with the academic support you need from the Centre.  

Coming to Essex has definitely helped me to understand what things I am really interested in. I have particularly enjoyed the film studies modules but overall everything which I have studied has been interesting. The Centre has also been very helpful and understanding; they always try to find solutions to problems you might have.

Tom Rawle, second-year BA American Studies student  

Settling in was very easy at Essex, particularly because I stayed in the South Towers with 13 other people in my flat. Living at the Colchester Campus is fantastic because you’re in a great location and everyone is very friendly and sociable.  

Academically I found it challenging during the first term but with the support I received from the Centre, its staff and my fellow students I was able to find my way and settle in well. Studying politics and international relations has been particularly enjoyable. I was doubtful to begin with but I was pleasantly surprised and looked forward to attending every seminar. I believe all the modules I have studied will be useful for a future career as I have been able to study a broad range of subjects including literature, history, politics and sociology.

Elisabeth Watmough, fourth-year BA Criminology and American (United States) Studies student.

Having always been fascinated by the study of crime and society, and equally interested in the social and cultural make-up of the United States, Essex has allowed me to pursue my interests academically in both fields. The opportunity to study abroad, and experience the American perspective, excited and motivated me throughout my first and second years.  

The Centre is very efficient at assisting students with queries; there is always somebody on hand to help and staff work hard to support us. The most enjoyable modules I have studied are those that look at crime and its relation to the society we live in. Studying similar modules abroad, along with experiencing American attitudes and views first hand, has added a valuable dimension to my course.  

I truly appreciate the knowledge and experiences I continue to gain throughout my time here. Living and learning at Essex has enriched my skills and independence in a way that will support me on whichever career path I choose.

What is the Study Abroad period like?

While studying the US from afar is important in building up a knowledge of basics and obtaining a distanced perspective, it is far from complete without a period of study in the US.  We offer both a one term and one year exchange opportunity at a US university.  Students can choose from twenty+ campuses in the US,  which includes private colleges such as Mount Holyoke in Massachusetts and Le Moyne in New York State, two links on the Hawai'ian Islands, and more regionally based universities such as Mississippi and New Mexico.  No matter where our students have been, they have had a memorable time.  Many former students return describing their year or term in the US as a 'life changing experience'.  While in the US, Essex students choose from a huge range of courses, benefit from excellent scholarly teaching and can use state of the art computing, sports, library and other facilities.

These are some of the study abroad partner universities in the US:

(the complete list and URL links can be found on the Essex Abroad website)

• University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)
• California State University, Chico
• The Catholic University of America (Washington DC)
• University of Connecticut (Storrs)
• University of Hawai'i at Hilo
• Hawai'i Pacific University
• The University of Kansas (Lawrence)
• Le Moyne College (Syracuse, NY State)
• Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge)
• University of Miami (Coral Gables)
• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
• The University of Mississippi (Oxford)
• Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, Massachusetts)
• Mount Union College (Alliance, Ohio)
• University of New Mexico (Albuquerque)
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff)
• Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia)
• Pitzer College (Los Angeles)
• Purdue University (Indiana)
• The University of Utah (Salt Lake City)

Please note, this list is subject to change, so please contact the Essex Abroad Office directly.

Other information about the Study Abroad period and a student profile is available online.

What do American Studies students do after graduation?

By the end of their studies, our students are confident and articulate people.  They have learned to think and operate across the many disciplinary boundaries, and their achievements are all the more worthy for having been able to master the very different skills needed across the disciplines.  The vast majority of American Studies students here at Essex have taken the four year degree option.  They have studied longer than most other students and have benefited from the experience of studying, living and travelling in the US. 

Our graduates have gone on to work in diverse fields - many in the media, for the BBC and private production companies, others in the Civil Service, some work for American companies, or in travel-related occupations.  Some of our graduates have gone on to further study at MA and PhD level in this country and the US.  Former graduates are currently studying for PhDs at Yale University and the University of California.

No matter what their eventual destinations, American Studies students have always had a fascinating journey...

See also Life after Essex for some graduate profiles.