Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

American Studies - Major


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Program Director: Cynthia Eisen

The American studies major, leading to a B.A. degree, takes an interdisciplinary approach that gives students an opportunity to concentrate on the development of American civilization as a whole rather than from the perspective of a separate department or discipline. Students choose from courses focusing on the study of American civilization in the areas of History, the Humanities, and the Social Sciences. Additionally, student learning opportunities will include not only how we view and define ourselves as Americans, but also how the world views us and why they do.

American Studies Core


Students are required to take 37 credits in American Studies courses - 19 credits in the major core and 18 elective credits.

American Studies Electives


Students must take 6 elective courses.  Elective courses are drawn from Areas A, B , and C.  At least 2 courses are required from each area as listed below and should be clustered to represent a coherent focus.  This should be done in consultation with the student’s AMS advisor.

Please note that this list of elective courses may change from year to year as departments add or delete courses. Selected Studies/Special Topics courses will be evaluated as offered by departments within the 3 areas of concentration.  In addition, some courses may have pre-requisites.

American Studies Senior Experience


The Senior Experience integrates the methods and materials of the interdisciplinary major. The seminar topic changes from year to year based on the needs and interests of the students. Particular attention is given to social and cultural aspects of the course. In addition senior majors complete a significant research/portfolio project that incorporates ideas from the various areas of study.

Sample Program for American Studies - Major


Freshman Year


  • Perspectives - Enduring Questions (P-EQ) Credits: 3
  • Foreign Language 101 Credits: 3
  • Foreign Language 102 Credits: 3
  • Liberal Arts Elective Credit: 3
  • American Studies Elective Credits: 3
  • Health/Wellness Credits: 0

As well as:

Sophomore Year


  • Perspectives - Enduring Questions Science (P-EQ) and Lab course  Credits: 4
  • 4 Perspectives - Enduring Questions (P-EQ) courses Credits: 12
  • 2 Integrative Studies (IS) courses (1 of which can count towards American Studies electives) Credits: 6
  • 2 Liberal Arts Elective Credits: 6
  • Experiental Learning (EL)                                                                    

As well as:

Junior Year


  • 2 American Studies Electives  Credits: 6
  • Integrative Studies (IS) Credits: 3
  • Core Milestone Experience (CME)  Credits: 0
  • 5 Liberal Arts Electives  Credits: 15

As well as:

Senior Year


  • 2 American Studies Electives  Credits: 6
  • 6 Liberal Arts Electives Credits: 18
  • Experiential Learning (EL) pathway (optional) 

As well as: 

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