Film and Television Studies and American Studies, BA (Hons)

Film and television serve to entertain, inform, promote ideologies, and foster global communication and connections. North America's influence through its power and culture amplifies this impact. This joint honours degree in Film and Television Studies and American Studies explores these elements both independently and in combination, offering a cohesive programme.In Film and Television Studies, students examine economics, employment practices, global operations, evolving audiences, societal reflections, decision-making processes, and technological advancements. American Studies covers history, politics, and culture, including literature, music, art, film, and television. The curriculum integrates specialist modules for unity, with opportunities for internships at organisations like Disney and Red Bee Creative. Students study both subjects equally, progressing from core modules in year one to specialised studies and a research dissertation in year three, alongside placement options.

You will normally study both subjects equally. In American Studies in year one you have the choice of taking core modules in either American history or American literature. You will also take a multidisciplinary module exploring the relationship between film, literature and culture in the North American context. In Film and Television Studies you'll engage in multidisciplinary activity in addition to core studies in film and television history, production cultures, the analysis of film texts and key critical perspectives, and the contexts of film and television consumption. Year two broadens and develops your understanding of the core concepts in each discipline. In American Studies you choose from modules which extend your understanding of American society and cultural forms. They cover particular periods, events, themes, genres, authors and texts in greater depth. In Film and Television Studies you will choose from modules which explore how film and television converge in the contemporary media landscape. In year three, you will continue and extend the process of specialisation promoted in the second year. You will write an original research dissertation and follow a programme of advanced study in a choice of modules in Film and Television and in American and Canadian history, literature and culture. Placement and volunteering opportunities are available in the School of English and the Department of American and Canadian Studies, as well as via the Nottingham Advantage Award.