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American Studies Matthew Elliott, Ph.D. Coordinator The American Studies program provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the foundations and expressions of American society and culture. The program is comprised of a selection of courses in history, politics, sociology, literature, the performing and visual arts, philosophy and religion. These liberal arts-based courses provide an appreciation of the attributes of diversity and change in the life of a society and in the lives of individuals in their various roles in the workplace, families and as citizens.
Learning Goals and Outcomes • To understand and apply a range of methods for analyzing American culture across the disciplines, including historical, sociological, and literary or aesthetic analysis • To understand the significance of diversity in the U.S. through the analysis of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality or other group identity formulations in a U.S. cultural context • To understand how major U.S. institutions and structures, including governmental and cultural institutions, reflect and shape American society
The Capstone Experience The American Studies Major requires that students complete a Capstone Project in a 4000-level course. Students may choose to enroll in either AMST4178 and complete a directed study with an American Studies associated faculty member resulting in a major research project and paper or they may complete AMST4995 and produce a portfolio based on a semester-long internship.
Program Requirements The major in American Studies is a 12course interdisciplinary program. Students wishing to declare a major in American Studies should consult with the program coordinator. The student should, in consultation with the major advisor, design a course of study to ensure that courses are taken in an appropriate sequence, and that all requirements are met by graduation. As part of the process of declaring a major, the student must complete a one-page essay explaining the choice of courses. There are four levels of program requirements and electives. Each student must include at least two 3000-level courses in the major:
2012-2013 Academic Catalog
Programs of Study for Liberal Arts and Sciences
The major in American Studies can serve as a valuable educational background for future study and careers in the fields of law, teaching, the academic professions, business, media and journalism, cultural institutions, social service and politics. The program is of value both to the student who comes to the United States with an international background and the student who has grown up as part of the diverse and changing American experience.
• To construct and communicate arguments in written and oral forms addressing the significance of primary texts or material artifacts from American culture, such as works of literature, painting, photography, historical records and music • To conduct scholarly research on American Studies related topics