American Studies

Coordinator: Mary T. Bush, Ph.D., Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs

The American Studies major, leading to a B.A. degree, is 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 Humanities, Fine Arts and Natural and Social Sciences. American Studies majors take Ams 440 (American Studies Seminar). This is the Senior Experience integrating the methods and materials of the major. The topic of the seminar varies from year to year depending on the interests and needs of the students. In addition, all majors select a specific period or theme in American Studies (Gilded Age, the 1960’s, Progress, Reform). They write a paper on the selected topic incorporating ideas from the various Perspectives areas –comparing, contrasting, evaluating. They then defend their work in an oral presentation.

Students seeking initial certification in the Inclusive Education (Quadruple Certification Grades 1-9) program may major in American Studies.