American Studies at Kent dates back to 1973. You are based in the Centre for American Studies and taught by internationally recognised academics.Ê

American Studies is an interdisciplinary degree, which means that you learn by making connections between ideas and concepts across different disciplinary boundaries, which enriches your learning and gives you a wider perspective on your subject.

Our degree programme

In your first year, you take introductory modules on American studies and Hispanic culture as well as Spanish language modules.

In your second year, you examine key themes in American culture, continue your Spanish language modules and take modules on race and ethnicity in Latin America and Latin American poetry. You can also take modules on American cinema, 19th-century American literature and the American Civil War.

In your final year, you complete an extended essay taking an interdisciplinary approach to your topic. You continue with your Spanish language modules and take modules on the work of Cuban writers and artists since the revolution. You can also take modules in history (the American West in the 20th century and the history of California); or literature (American crime fiction and Native American Literature).

Year abroad

You spend a year abroad between your second and final years at one of our partner universities in Latin America, where you will be taught in Spanish. Current destinations include:

  • Chile
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Columbia.

Alternatively, you can spend your year abroad at one of our partner universities in the US. Current destinations include:

  • California
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New York State
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Wisconsin.

We also offer four-year programmes where you focus on American literature American Studies (Literature) and American History American Studies (History).

In addition, you can choose to take a three-year programme where there is an option to spend a term abroad. For details, see American Studies.