American Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to diverse aspects of American culture and society. Students are encouraged to pursue their own special interests and to take courses in a number of different departments, acquiring some familiarity with social, economic, political, literary, and historical perspectives. This work should have a specific focus provided by a particular period, theme, or area of concentration. Possibilities include, but are certainly not limited to, gender, ethnicity, film, popular culture, the Jazz era, and postmodernism.

For information about the American Studies program, contact any of the following faculty members: Bender, Bennion, Furlong, S. Gerencser, Grant, Lambert, Lucal, Lyons, McNeal, Metelli, Nashel, Olson, Roth, Sernau or Zechowski.

Associate of Arts with a Concentration in American Studies

Concentration Requirements

At least 15 credit hours in courses about the United States, with at least 9 of these credit hours at the 200-level or above. Courses must be taken in at least three departments and include one course in American literature, and one course in American intellectual or cultural history. Students must also complete a portfolio project designed to synthesize their work in American Studies. Students should select an advisor from the faculty listed above and, in consultation with the advisor, design a program to be approved by the American Studies Committee.

In addition to general education objectives, students with a concentration in American Studies will be expected to develop both a factual knowledge and a conceptual grasp of the diverse aspects of American culture and society. They will be expected to think critically about the material and communicate their ideas effectively with some emphasis on the particular period, theme, or topic they have chosen as the focus of their work in American Studies.

Minor in American Studies

A student who wishes to earn a minor in American Studies should select an advisor from the faculty listed above and, in consultation with that advisor, design a program to be approved by the American Studies Committee.

The program must include at least 15 credit hours in courses about the United States, with at least 9 credit hours at the 300-level or above. Courses must be selected from at least three different departments, and must include at least one course in American literature and one course in American intellectual or cultural history. Course grades must be at a level of C- or higher to be counted toward a minor in American Studies.