The American Studies major is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the culture of the United States, and is open to selected students in good standing.
A student interested in majoring in American Studies should consult with the director, who will act as the student's adviser if he or she is admitted to the program. Superior work is expected from all students.
A major requires at least 36 credits, including:
- Six hours of introductory courses that focus on American Studies and introduce the student to interdisciplinary methodology and the literature of American Studies: AMER-ST 250 and AMER-ST 251 (PACE equivalent AMER-ST 341P and AMER-ST 302P).
- A three-hour integrating seminar (AMER-ST 440WI), in which the student produces an interdisciplinary seminar paper based on his or her coursework and its prerequisite, AMER-ST 400.
- The remaining 24 hours of coursework must come from at least three relevant departments and must be approved by the director and the core faculty from American Studies. The courses must represent an interdisciplinary focus on a particular theme or issue in American life.
Programs are tailored to the individual student and therefore tend to vary widely. They include courses from such departments as art and art history, communication studies, economics, English, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology (including anthropology) and others as appropriate. They may also include work from other relevant units, such as the Conservatory of Music and Dance.
PACE students wishing to major in American Studies should refer to the PACE section of this catalog for details.
Program Description
Arts and Sciences, College of