Year 1: Students take half their modules in the English department and half in American Studies. English: the novel; Shakespeare and approaches to literature. American Studies: classic American texts; modern American writing; American history 1861-2001. Year 2: English: Renaissance poetry; literature 1660-1789; critical theory. American Studies: ethnicity and diversity in American literature and society; American film and visual culture. Year 3: Students must do a minimum of 40 credits in each subject; after that, there is a choice of modules, dissertations and special subjects available; students take modules in: Romantic, Victorian, modern and contemporary literature; postcolonial literature; film adaptations; adolescent writing; 1950s and 60s American culture; autobiography and Hollywood directors; students must do a dissertation in either English or American studies.