American Studies

Published 16 January 2012

Curriculum

American Studies (MA)

In this programme students look at the United States as an international presence, examining the way it affects other countries and cultures politically, economically, militarily and culturally. The different ways that American and European intellectuals analyse America and their respective attempt to grasp the critical differences between American and European traditions are also studied. In addition, students explore America as a cultural presence in the European mass media, including film, radio, television, photography and advertising.

Programme outline

The programme comprises two core courses and four electives. Students must complete a total of 42 ECTS credits in coursework and 18 credits in the form of a Master's thesis. The specific number of credits that a student is required to obtain through coursework is determined by the admissions committee and is based on the student's previous qualifications. Fulfilment of all of the requirements will take at least one year.

Detailed course information

For detailed course descriptions, follow the link below to the UvA Course Catalogue.

Thesis

The Master's programme in American Studies includes a required thesis equivalent to 18 ECTS credits. The thesis topic must be mutually agreed upon by the student and the academic adviser, and the student must submit a written proposal to the programme's board of examiners. The thesis should be between 20,000 and 25,000 words.

For more information on Faculty thesis guidelines, please see the link below.

Degree requirements

American Studies is a programme of the Master's programme in History. Students who successfully complete this programme receive a Master's degree in History and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Credit transfer

Students who show exceptional promise during a Regular or Professional Master's programme are encouraged to continue their studies in a Research Master's programme. Once students are admitted to the Research Master's programme, they can transfer credits earned during their previous course of study towards their Research Master's degree. The examination committee determines which courses qualify for transfer.

Source: Graduate School for Humanities
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