History: American Studies

The Master's programme American Studies explores the history of the United States to understand what is specifically American about this society and culture.

The American Studies programme at the University of Amsterdam is interdisciplinary in its approach, combining history and the social sciences. While the programme has always considered the United States from an international and comparative perspective, it has recently been expanded to include a new global perspective. Central themes in the programme are: American democracy, American-European diplomatic and military relations, the Americanisation of Europe and allegations concerning American cultural imperialism. As home to one of the largest American expat communities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam offers a fascinating range of real-life examples on the basis of which to examine the Americanisation of a major European cultural centre. Our lecturers are not only specialised in the field of American studies, but also come from an extremely broad range of academic backgrounds, thereby ensuring that the courses are highly interdisciplinary.

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.

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.

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.

Previous education: The Master’s in American Studies is open to all students with a Bachelor’s diploma from the UvA, or a recognised equivalent from another accredited university in: - History You also have access to the programme with one of the following Bachelor’s diplomas if, however, you have successfully followed a Minor in American Studies or 30 ECTS credits worth of courses relating to American culture and history (to be decided by the Examinations Board on the basis of your application). - English Language and Culture - Media and Culture - Communication Science - Political Science - Sociology - European Studies The level of the Bachelor's diploma from a foreign higher education institution must be equal to three years of Dutch university education (to be judged by the Examinations Board). Prospective students with Bachelor’s degrees (university) other than those mentioned above can nonetheless apply for admission to the programme. The Examinations Board will in such cases take a look at the content of the prospective student’s Bachelor programme, his/her study results and general motivation. Additional language requirements:Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A2Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: B1IELTS overall band: 7IELTS listening: 7IELTS reading: 7IELTS writing: 7IELTS speaking: 7TOEFL internet based: 100 English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test: 100

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Scholarships / Grants:

The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
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Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: The Netherlands