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Module Outline

This module introduces the central methodologies and concepts of the American Studies MA programme.  Commencing in the first semester, Critical Approaches to American Studies is a core module designed to introduce students to a range of perspectives on both past and contemporary methodological approaches and theoretical viewpoints. 

Its aim is to demonstrate how such different critical perspectives on myths and ideas have a significant impact on the ways we form an understanding of American culture and its peoples and its complex relationship with and re-creation and re-invention of its past. It will also examine the development of American Studies as an approach, an ‘inter-discipline’, through a critical reading of some of the seminal texts and critiques. From the creation accounts of the ‘myth and symbol’ approach in the 1950s and ‘60s, as well as the grand mono-cultural narrative of American ‘exceptionalism’, through to the multi-cultural, globalised and transnational concerns of the present time, this module will give our students the analytical expertise necessary to approach the MA as well as enable them to integrate those inter-disciplinary perspectives at the heart of American Studies.

Students will be introduced to research ethics practices (as outlined in the YSJU policy on Research Ethics and Integrity) and will be encouraged to reflect upon scholarly methods and research management skills. Each week there will be group student presentations to lead the discussion of that week’s topic. Throughout the course students will learn the interdisciplinary approaches to American studies that will stand them in good stead for their end of module dissertation presentation (textual & methodology review).