Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

American Studies - Major


Program Director: Scott Campbell, Ph.D.

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.

Core Curriculum Requirements


All Nazareth students complete Core Curriculum coursework as part of their degree requirements. The Core provides a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences while guiding students to pose and explore their own intellectual questions. See Academic Policies and Procedures  for specific core curriculum requirements. 

American Studies Core


Students are required to take 36 credits in American Studies courses - 18 credits in the major core and 18 elective credits.

American Studies Major Electives


Students must complete 6 elective courses, drawn from Areas A (History), B (Humanities) , and C (Social Sciences). 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 prerequisites.

AMS Elective Course List


American Studies Senior Experience


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 (PEQ) 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 (PEQ) and Lab course  Credits: 4
  • 4 Perspectives Enduring Questions (PEQ) courses Credits: 12
  • 2 Integrative Studies (IS) courses (1 of which can count towards American Studies electives) Credits: 6
  • 1 Liberal Arts Elective Credits: 3
  • 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: