UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
American Studies is the interdisciplinary study of American thought, literature, and culture - both past and present. Born in the mid-twentieth century and with an implied commitment to American exceptionalism, American Studies has since transformed itself into a multifaceted critical examination of American society and culture.
Comparative frameworks along with close attention to applying cultural and literay theory to such matters as violence, citizenship, democracy, community, poverty and prosperity, politics, race and gender in the United States make American Studies an intellectually sophisticated yet practical course of undergraduate study.
American Studies is an excellent major for those seeking a general education in the liberal arts and social science. Students have found it a particularly good major for careers in journalism, law, and teaching.
Undergraduate Program Requirements
The American Studies major consists of a minimum of 35 credit hours, normally ten courses. The major must complete the following three groups of courses:
- American Studies Required Courses
AmSt 101 - - Introduction to American Studies (4)
AmSt 372 - - Special Topics Seminar in American Studies (4)
AmSt 391 - - Senior Thesis or Project (2)
AmSt 392 - - Senior Thesis or Project (4)
- English & History
Three courses split between the Departments of English and History (a minimum of nine credits) - at least one course must be at the 200-level or higher.
- Topical or Chronological Focus
Three further courses on a topical or chronological focus (a minimum of nine credits), one of which must be outside English and History. At least one course must be at the 200-level or higher.
For a suppositional list of undergraduate courses, click
here.
Focus of Study
In close consultation with his/her adviser, majors will select a topical focus (e.g., ethnicity and race, film and electronic media, art and literature, popular culture, gender, cross-cultural studies, legal and political thought) or a chronological focus (e.g., antebellum America, the twentieth century), which they will explore in at least three courses plus their senior thesis or project.