Nov 24, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

American Studies, B.A.


American Studies is an interdisciplinary program offering a wide range of courses that develop the analytical, research, and communication skills necessary for success in a variety of fields. The major integrates materials, themes, and approaches from diverse areas of study including history, literature, political science, sociology, communication, film and media, gender and sexuality, African American studies, and Native American studies. The program allows students to explore transnational, cross-cultural, and comparative perspectives of the United States. A degree in American Studies can help prepare students for career paths in academia, social activism, non-profit work, media, law, government, museum management, librarianship, and teaching. The program provides a broad grounding in the study of the United States while also allowing students the flexibility to pursue their own intellectual interests and goals.

Total credits required to complete major: 40


Basic Requirements (22 credits)


Cultural Intersections (3 Credits)


One course exploring cultural intersections in America; that is, a course focusing on marginalized peoples and/or critical approaches to difference, including class, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and/or ability. (from list of approved courses)

American Cultures (3 Credits)


One course examining American cultures from a transnational, cross-border, comparative approach. (from a list of approved courses)

Elective hours (18 Credits)


Elective hours in courses emphasizing American Studies selected under advisement (e.g., in American Studies**, anthropology, art history, communication, economics, geography, history, literature, music, philosophy, political science, sociology, and theatre arts). At least 6 hours must be at the 300 level. (from a list of approved courses)

Guidelines for course selection:


  1. Students may take AMST 201 : (subtitle) for credit toward the major twice, as long as the subtitle is different in each case.
  2. Electives must be selected from at least three different departments.
  3. Majors must earn a minimum of 15 credit hours in courses at the 300-level.
  4. A maximum of 9 credits may be taken at the 100-level of the 40 credits required for the major.

Writing Requirement


American Studies, English, and History courses all require significant amounts of writing. The interdisciplinary American Studies major provides students with an intensive and cumulative writing experience by requiring a minimum of 5 courses in these three subject areas and 5 courses at the 300 level. Writing courses will be selected under advisement; qualified students will be allowed to research and write about topics of their choice in directed studies over one or two semesters (see bulletin listings for AMST 393 , AMST 396 , AMST 399 ).

Minimum Competence Requirement:


A grade of C- or better is required in all courses submitted in fulfillment of the 40-hour requirement for the American Studies major.

Courses that fulfill AMST cultural intersections requirement:


Political Science


Courses that may be taken as American Studies electives:


Business


Communication


History


Courses that fulfill AMST transnational requirement:


Business


NOTE: Courses have prerequisites and are restricted to School of Business majors and minors. Others may seek permission from the School of Business

Outline/Advising Guide


First Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


Spring (16 Credit Hours)


Second Year


Fall (16 Credit Hours)


Spring (16 Credit Hours)


  • HIST post-1877 Credit(s): 3
  • N/ Credit(s): 4
  • Elective Credit(s): 3
  • AMST Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3

Third Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


  • ENGL Credit(s): 4
  • AMST Elective Credit(s): 3
  • R/ Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 2

Spring (15 Credit Hours)


  • Transnational course Credit(s): 3
  • AMST Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3

Fourth Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


  • AMST Elective Credit(s): 3
  • AMST 2xx or 3xx level Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3

Spring (12 Credit Hours)


  • AMST Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective (or AMST 393 ) Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective Credit(s): 3

Total Credit Hours: 120


Note: Where no prerequisites apply, some variation in the order or semester in which courses are taken is possible. Students should consult their academic advisors for additional information.