What will I learn on this module?
The American Studies Extended Essay is designed as an opportunity for you to apply and build on the skills you have acquired in Level Four core modules and prepare yourself for the demands of the American Studies Dissertation in Level Six. It is an exercise in independent research and is intended to be a piece of work that utilises an interdisciplinary approach to a selection of primary and secondary sources. Extended Essay topics will be developed in conjunction with an appropriate subject specialist.
How will I learn on this module?
This is an individual project which is negotiated between student and appointed tutor. There is therefore no set teaching syllabus but individual tutoring sessions and student workshops will be organized on a regular basis. The workshops will provide you with information on sources, appropriate research skills and practice, and managing the essay. These sessions will emphasise the need for you to develop the interdisciplinary nature of your research project and engage in informal peer assessment. Thereafter, you will meet with your supervisor on a one-to-one basis for tutoring sessions. These offer the opportunity for formative feedback and for discussing plans for future work.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be supported through engagement with your peers, academic tutors, and programme leaders. Academic support is provided through workshops and through individual tutorials which allow specific issues to be addressed and to promote progress in academic development. The module tutor will be accessible within publicised office hours and via email. Your peers will provide you will a collaborative learning environment, and your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the academic literature and resources available on the eLearning Portal. Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities and essay tutorials.
How will I learn on this module?
This is an individual project which is negotiated between student and appointed tutor. There is therefore no set teaching syllabus but individual tutoring sessions and student workshops will be organized on a regular basis. The workshops will provide you with information on sources, appropriate research skills and practice, and managing the essay. These sessions will emphasise the need for you to develop the interdisciplinary nature of your research project and engage in informal peer assessment. Thereafter, you will meet with your supervisor on a one-to-one basis for tutoring sessions. These offer the opportunity for formative feedback and for discussing plans for future work.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be supported through engagement with your peers, academic tutors, and programme leaders. Academic support is provided through workshops and through individual tutorials which allow specific issues to be addressed and to promote progress in academic development. The module tutor will be accessible within publicised office hours and via email. Your peers will provide you will a collaborative learning environment, and your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the academic literature and resources available on the eLearning Portal. Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities and essay tutorials.
How will I be assessed?
The assessment strategy for the module corresponds with the module’s learning outcomes and learning and teaching strategy. Assessment is by a 4,000 word extended essay, submitted at the end of semester 1. Additional formative assessment includes the submission of a 500-word proposal and plan, and the optional submission of a 1,000-word draft section.
The summative and formative assessments will address MLOs 1-5.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
How will I be assessed?
The assessment strategy for the module corresponds with the module’s learning outcomes and learning and teaching strategy. Assessment is by a 4,000 word extended essay, submitted at the end of semester 1. Additional formative assessment includes the submission of a 500-word proposal and plan, and the optional submission of a 1,000-word draft section.
The summative and formative assessments will address MLOs 1-5.
Course info
UCAS Code T720
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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