American Studies examines the breadth and diversity of the American experience. It is an interdisciplinary field that integrates the study of literature, history, geography, media, politics, popular culture, art and religion in order to critically analyze American society, culture, institutions, and intellectual traditions. You will be encouraged to question what constitutes American culture, and how cultural expressions reflect and reveal American values, beliefs, prejudices, pleasures and perceptions.
American Studies courses are methodologically grounded in many different areas of cultural studies including historiography, media studies, material culture, visual literacy, critical race theory, and gender/sexuality studies.
The American Studies program offers five concentrations:
Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies
- Material Culture and the Built Environment
- Politics, Institutions and Values
- Popular Culture and Media Studies
- Social and Literary Movements
Students in history, communication, anthropology, political science, English and other interdisciplinary programs find it beneficial to double major or minor in American Studies. Pursuing a degree in Americans Studies will prepare you for graduate work in the humanities as well as professional training in law or business.