American Studies covers the development of the USA from the colonial period and the revolution to the present day, and includes optional courses on the native Americans, Canada and Latin America; the main aim of the programme is to enable students to develop the skills, knowledge and experience that helps achieve a good degree and an understanding of the USA.Year 1: Core modules: American colossus: United States politics and diplomacy from Pearl Harbour to 9/11; American dream: United States geography and society; American frontier: the west in film and art; American history: from revolution to civil war, 1607 to 1865; American literature from 1607 to 1880; American tragedy: the native Americans; American studies project.Year 2: Optional modules: from civil war to civil rights, 1860 to 1960; American modernism: literature, 1880 to 1960; American art, 1880 to 1960; conflict and consensus in American society; American cinema since 1950; the modern presidency; native Americans in the United States of America; the geography of North America; uneasy neighbours: the United States of America, Canada and Latin America since 1867; extended essay. Year 3: Optional modules: Martin Luther King and the modern black freedom movement; American postmodernism: literature since 1960; American art since 1960; culture wars and American society; the cinematic city; law and politics in the United States of America; the native American renaissance; the north American city; America and Vietnam; individual study.