1. Portfolio Review Stage 2 American Studies Presentation Richard Follett

2. General information Non-Departmental Program Staff in HAHP and SoE Program Managed from HAHP (Director of AS) Director/Board of AS oversees Program Courses still ‘owned’ by American Studies, not History or English Departments Meeting for course realignment/ownership scheduled with PVC Marlin 28 Nov RAE No. 1 American Studies, 2008; Perennially ranked in top 5 AS Programmes in UK.

3. AAB 2012 Standard Offer BA American Stds (4yrs) and English and Film Studies and History and Politics with Law with Psychology Annual Target: 50 Applications: 10.76 per target place 2011 Admissions: 87 Single/Joints; 116 all Degrees 2010 Admissions: 67 Single/Joints; 85 all Degrees 2009 Admissions: 53 Single/Joints; 64 all Degrees

4. Program Details Single (4 years) honours plus 4 joints, 2 Minor American Stds (4yrs) and English and Film Studies and History and Politics with Law with Psychology 87 entrants at single/joint honours this year 116 entrants total this year (inc minor) Offer: AAB for 2012 (current 51% AAB) Study abroad mandatory in 3 rd year.

5. Area Studies—QAA 2008 Subject Benchmark Statement Area studies programmes are emphatically multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, encouraging the analysis of an area from various approaches drawn from the arts, humanities and the social sciences. Such an approach enables students in area studies to acquire a unique depth and breadth of insight into the social, cultural and political dynamic of a region.

6. The coherence of any area studies programme can be conceptualised in two ways: 1.the degree of methodological and conceptual coherence, deriving from the understanding and application of different disciplinary or interdisciplinary approaches 2.the overall cohesion of a range of modules focused on a specific society or set of geographically and culturally related societies. There is always a complex trade-off between breadth and depth within and between these dimensions.

7. The subject-specific skills acquired on completion of an honours degree in area studies will include: an ability to critically engage with the area studied from a number of disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, including anthropology, archaeology, art history, cultural studies, economics, film and media studies, geography, history, language(s) other than English, literature, philosophy, politics, religious studies and sociology the ability to compare and contrast the appropriateness of different disciplinary approaches in an examination of the area studied the ability to use and critically interrogate a range of primary and secondary written and/or oral and/or visual sources, in their original language, where appropriate skills in the construction of bibliographies, library and internet research skills, proficiency in reading and analysis of texts both in English and, in relevant degree programmes, in languages other than English, and abilities in the analysis of visual and aural material as a medium for understanding another culture

8. On graduating with an honours degree in area studies, students should have the ability to: critically analyse and demonstrate detailed knowledge of the area; its history, culture and society as defined by the programme provider demonstrate awareness and critical understanding of relevant vocabulary of contributory disciplines and critical theories, and the capacity to assess and compare the merits of contrasting approaches describe, differentiate and compare concepts from different disciplines and/or interdisciplinary approaches as a means of understanding the area under study demonstrate awareness of, and ability to use, evaluate and compare a diverse range of relevant information and research resources where relevant, acquire knowledge of a language as required by the degree programme concerned and apply these linguistic skills effectively at an appropriate level.

9. Sussex AS Program Aims On completion of the programme the successful student will: (a) Have gained knowledge of the region broadly defined, across a range of disciplines and historical periods. (b) Have learned to appreciate and understand a range of theoretical approaches to the study of the Region, and will have gained specialised knowledge in one disciplinary approach. (c) Be able to analyse the production, consumption and reception of texts within their historical and cultural context. (d) Be able to appreciate a range of literary, historical and political traditions and their effects on cultural formations and identities. (e) Have benefited from the educational and cultural experience of a Year Abroad and contributed to the international mission of the University through this aspect of the programme. (f) Have developed the intellectual and practical skills needed to learn independently. (g) Be able to communicate and explain what they have learned clearly in written and oral form. (h) Have developed skills that will prepare them for employment in a wide range of contexts or for further study.

10. Programme Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding The successful student will: 1: Have demonstrated detailed knowledge of and critical engagement with the region broadly defined 2: Have gained specialised knowledge in disciplinary approaches to the region. 3: Be able to recognise, represent, and critically reflect upon ideas and concepts from other cultures. 4: Have demonstrated awareness and understanding of relevant vocabulary of contributory methodologies and theories that are relevant to the Region, and will have the capacity to assess the merits of contrasting approaches. 5: Have demonstrated awareness of, and ability to use and evaluate a diverse range of relevant information and research resources, including major internet-based resources 6: Have gained knowledge of a range of literary and/or historical and/or political texts from different periods, including before 1800. 7: Have gained an understanding of the social, cultural, and historical context in which texts are produced and read.

11. Intellectual Skills When students complete the course, they will command a number of intellectual skills. These include the ability to: Identify, represent and debate a range of issues and differing opinions. Identify and analyse problems using relevant approaches, and reflect upon the scope and limitations of what has been ascertained and understood. Synthesise information, adopt critical appraisals, and develop reasoned argument based on such appraisals. Communicate ideas with clarity, coherence and persuasiveness. Work independently and to deadlines within a guided framework, with a capacity to define problems/questions and to know how to set about finding answers. Reflect on personal learning and respond productively to constructive feedback.

12. Practical Skills By the end of this programme students will have developed a range of practical skills. They will be able to: (a) Employ effective essay and report writing skills, showing ability to integrate and critically assess material from a variety of sources. (b) Employ collaborative skills in group work, and contribute creatively, flexibly and adaptively to the achievement of shared goals. (c) Use proficiently a range of IT resources such as word processing, use email, search databases and text files, and locate, employ and evaluate internet sites. (d) Work independently and to deadlines. (e) Communicate ideas and arguments through oral presentations. Transferable Skills On completion of the programme the successful student will have acquired and demonstrated: (a) Research and investigative skills (b) Problem solving skills (c) Time management skills (d) Presentational skills (e) Ability to work alone and in groups (f) Ability to precis arguments and bodies of information (g) Ability to structure arguments and communicate them effectively in written and verbal form (h) Ability to analyse complex issues (i) Ability to write in a range of modes

13. Portfolio Review Self-Reflection: AS Away Day (June 2011) NSS/ CEQ Self-Reflection Concerns: Assessment Modes; Lack of Lecture 2 nd year American History; Limited Options in Final Year; Contact Hours Final Year Programme Redesign: September 2011 Core Drivers: Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary; Progressivity in skills & assessment; Contact Hrs; Assessment Loads; QAA Compliant

14. Single Honours American Studies Up to 4 courses (60 credit); elective compatible. Two disciplinary courses per term; up to two interdisciplinary courses; specialization in Y4

15. 2 nd semester 2 nd year Year 1: SingleCourseCreditsMethodAssessment (4000) Autumn Core course: Core course: Core course: Plus 1 elective choice (15) OR Spring Core course: Core course: Core course: Plus 1 elective choice (15) OR Introduction to American Studies American History to 1877 I American Literature to 1890 I American Identities Foundational Texts American History to 1877 II American Literature to 1890 II Look of America 15 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 2 x essay plan, 2 x 1500 wd essays 1 x 2000 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x 2000 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x Pres, 1 x 2000 wd essay 2 x 2000 wd essay 1 x 2000 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x 2000 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x Pres, 1 x 2000 wd essay

16. 2 nd semester 2 nd year Year 2: SingleCourseCreditsMethodAssessment (4500) Autumn Core course: 2 options from: (a,b,c) OR 1 option plus 1 elective choice (15) Spring Core course: Core course: 2 options from: (a,b,c,d) OR 1 option plus 1 elective choice American History since 1877 I American Literature since 1890 I (a) City I New York b) City 2 New Orleans c) Pulp Culture (S0E) American History since 1877 II American Lit since 1890 II (a) City 3 Chicago (b) City 4 Los Angeles (c) American Humour (d) 1831-- Year of Revolt: (Hist T&P) 15 15 15 15 15 15 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 x 2500 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x 2000, 1 x 2500 wd essay TBC 1 x 2500 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x 2000, 1 x 2500 wd essay 1 x 2500 wd essay, TAP 1 x essay plan, 1 x 4000 wd essay

17. Year 3: Mandatory Year Abroad Largest and among best N. American Exchange Programmes 42 Exchange Partners (Carnegie Res I; Lib Arts) Contributory to Degree Classification (20%) Junior/Senior Level Courses Students take full-time equivalent load Grade Conversion by Study Abroad Exam Board

18. 2 nd semester 2 nd year Year 4CourseCreditsMethodAssessment (5000) Autumn 2 or 3 options (up to 60cr) from: US Foreign Policy Recent American Writing Culture and Consumption I American South I Courses from other programmes: Civil Rights Movement American Civil War Special Author: Ashbery, James 30 15 30 2+ 1 hour seminar 2 +1 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 1 x 6000 wd essay, 2hr UEX 1 x 2000 wd essay, 1 x 6000 wd essay 1 x 3000 wd essay, 1 x 2 hr UEX 3 x 3000 wd essays 3 x 3000 wd essays TBC

19. 2 nd semester 2 nd year Year 4CourseCreditsMethodAssessment (5000) Spring Core course: AND Option/s: 1 or 2 options (30cr) from: Dissertation Immigrant America Culture and Consumption II American South II Course from other programmes: Civil Rights Movement American Civil War Documentary America 30 15 2 hour seminar + supervision 2+ 1 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 8000 word diss, 1 x pres 1 x pres, 1 x 6000 wd essay 1 x 3000 wd essay, 1 x 2 hr UEX 3 hr UEX 3 hr UEX TBC

20. Joint Honours American Studies Two Courses (30 credits)—one disciplinary; one interdisciplinary. Specialization in Y4.

21. 2 nd semester 2 nd year Year 1 JointCourseCreditsMethodAssessment (4000) Autumn Core course: Either: Or: Spring Core course: Either: Or: Introduction to American Studies American History to 1877 I American Literature to 1890 I Foundational Texts American History to 1877 II American Literature to 1890 II 15 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 2 x essay plan, 2 x 1500 wd essays 1 x 2000 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x 2000 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 2 x 2000 wd essay 1 x 2000 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x 2000 wd essay, 2 hr UEX

22. 2 nd semester 2 nd year Year 2: JointCourseCreditsMethodAssessment (4500) Autumn Either: Or: 1 option from: (a,b,c) Spring Either: Or: 1 options from: (a,b,c,d) American History since 1877 I American Literature since 1890 I (a) City I New York b) City 2 New Orleans c) Pulp Culture (S0E) American History since 1877 II American Lit since 1890 II (a) City 3 Chicago (b) City 4 Los Angeles (c) American Humour (d) 1831-- Year of Revolt: (Hist T&P) 15 15 15 15 15 15 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 1 x 2500 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x 2000, 1 x 2500 wd essay TBC 1 x 2500 wd essay, 2 hr UEX 1 x 2000, 1 x 2500 wd essay 1 x 2500 wd essay, TAP 1 x essay plan, 1 x 4000 wd essay

23. Year 3: Mandatory Year Abroad Largest and among best N. American Exchange Programmes 42 Exchange Partners (Carnegie Res I; Lib Arts) Contributory to Degree Classification (20%) Junior/Senior Level Courses Students take full-time equivalent load Grade Conversion by Study Abroad Exam Board

24. 2 nd semester 2 nd year Year 4: JointCourseCreditsMethodAssessment (5000) Autumn 1 or 2 options (up to 30cr) from: Spring US Foreign Policy Recent American Writing Culture and Consumption I American South I Courses from other programmes: Special Author: Ashbery, James Dissertation 30 15 30 2+ 1 hour seminar 2 +1 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar + supervision 1 x 6000 wd essay, 2hr UEX 1 x 2000 wd essay, 1 x 6000 wd essay 1 x 3000 wd essay, 1 x 2 hr UEX TBC 1 x Presentation, 8000 words

25. Minor Degrees: Law or Psychology with American Studies Interdisciplinary focus

26. 2 nd semester 2 nd year Year : MinorCourseCreditsMethodAssessment Autumn Y1 Core course: Spring Y1 Core course: Autumn Y2 1 option from: (a,b,c) Spring Y2 1 options from: (a,b,c) YEAR 3: YAB Spring Y4 1 or 2 options (up to 30cr) from: Introduction to American Studies Foundational Texts (a) City I New York b) City 2 New Orleans c) Pulp Culture (S0E) (a) City 3 Chicago (b) City 4 Los Angeles (c) American Humour Immigrant America Culture and Consumption II American South II 15 30 15 1 hr lecture, 1 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 2 hr seminar 2+ 1 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 hour seminar 2 x essay plan, 2 x 1500 wd essays 2 x 2000 wd essay 1 x 2000, 1 x 2500 wd essay TBC 1 x 2000, 1 x 2500 wd essay 1 x 2500 wd essay, TAP 1 x pres, 1 x 6000 wd essay 1 x 3000 wd essay, 1 x 2 hr UEX

27. Programme Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding The successful student will: 1: Have demonstrated detailed knowledge of and critical engagement with the region broadly defined 2: Have gained specialised knowledge in disciplinary approaches to the region. 3: Be able to recognise, represent, and critically reflect upon ideas and concepts from other cultures. 4: Have demonstrated awareness and understanding of relevant vocabulary of contributory methodologies and theories that are relevant to the Region, and will have the capacity to assess the merits of contrasting approaches. 5: Have demonstrated awareness of, and ability to use and evaluate a diverse range of relevant information and research resources, including major internet-based resources 6: Have gained knowledge of a range of literary and/or historical and/or political texts from different periods, including before 1800. 7: Have gained an understanding of the social, cultural, and historical context in which texts are produced and read.

28. Learning Outcomes Map PO 1PO2PO3PO4PO5PO6PO7 Y1 Interdisciplinary Intro to AS; Foundational Texts Look of America; American Identities XXXXX Y1 Disciplinary US Hist/Lit XXXXX Y2 Interdisciplinary Cities; Pulp; Humour X XXXX Y2 Disciplinary US Hist/Lit; 1831 XXXXX Year Abroad XXXXXXX Y4 Interdisciplinary American South; Culture and Consumption; Immigrant America XXXXX Y4 Disciplinary USFP; Recent Am Writing; Civil War/Civil Rights; Documentary America; Dissertation XXXXXX

29. Intellectual Skills When students complete the course, they will command a number of intellectual skills. These include the ability to: 1. Identify, represent and debate a range of issues and differing opinions. 2. Identify and analyse problems using relevant approaches, and reflect upon the scope and limitations of what has been ascertained and understood. 3. Synthesise information, adopt critical appraisals, and develop reasoned argument based on such appraisals. 4. Communicate ideas with clarity, coherence and persuasiveness. 5. Work independently and to deadlines within a guided framework, with a capacity to define problems/questions and to know how to set about finding answers. 6. Reflect on personal learning and respond productively to constructive feedback.

30. Assessment Map IS1IS2IS3IS4IS5IS6 Essay PlanXX EssaysXXXXXX UEXXXXX PresentationXXXXX TAPXXXXXX Long EssayXXXXXX DissertationXXXXX

31. Student Concerns: Assessment Modes = Standardized Lack of Lecture 2 nd year American History = Yes Limited Options in Final Year = Addressed Contact Hours Final Year = 6 + Programme Redesign: Core Drivers Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary = Yes Progressivity in skills & assessment = Yes Assessment Loads = Increased QAA Compliant = Yes