Program Description
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:
AM ST 250 and 251 (PACE equivalent
AM ST 341P and 302P).
- A three-hour integrating seminar
(AM ST 440WI),
in which the student produces an interdisciplinary
seminar paper based on his or her coursework and its prerequisite,
AM 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.
