American Studies

B.A. in American Studies

The American Studies Program provides an opportunity for students to study American society and culture through the application of interdisciplinary perspectives and techniques.The drama and diversity of America's past and present, its values, institutions, habits, and character are examined in courses drawn from such fields as history, literature, philosophy and theology, the social sciences, art, music and other disciplines.The Program includes specially designed introductory and upper-level courses taught by faculty committed to the use of wide-ranging and interdisciplinary sources in examining the American experience.The Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies is offered; a minor is also available.A degree in American Studies provides excellent preparation for a career in education, law, government, journalism, social-services occupations, and business.

Requirements for the Major

In addition to the Capstone Seminar course, AMST 467, students must include at least three 300 or 400-level courses in their program.

Students may count no more than three courses from any single discipline in meeting the American Studies Major requirements. Only students who have achieved senior class standing (96 credits) are permitted to enroll in the Capstone Seminar.

Required Courses

• AMST 101: Introduction to American Studies
• AMST 467: American Studies Capstone Seminar

A. American History
Required courses:

• HIS 101: Survey of American History I
• HIS 111: Survey of American History II

B. American Literature
Choose one from the following four courses:

• ENG 215: Survey of American Literature I
• ENG 217: Survey of American Literature II
• ENG 371: The American Identity
• ENG 373: The American Novel from 1860-1940

C. American Philosophy and Theology
Choose one from the following four courses:

• PHIL 213: American Philosophy
• THEO 237: The American Catholic Experience
• THEO 250: Introduction to Christian Ethics
• THEO 260: Religion in America

D. The Social and Behavioral Sciences Perspective
Choose one from the following seven courses:

• ED 145: Issues in American Education
• HIS 215: American Economic History
• PS 105: American Politics
• PS 221: Law and Contemporary American Society
• PS 241: Public Policy and Administration
• SOC 201: Social Problems
• SOC 251: Sociology of the Family

E. Multicultural America
Choose one from the following five courses:

• ENG 237: American Mosaic: Multicultural Literature in the U.S.
• ENG 347: Race and Class in the American Novel, 1865 - Present
• ENG 379: Contemporary Latina Writers
• FLAN 243: Hispanics in the United States: History and Culture
• HIS 235: Africian-American History
• ID 273: American Culture Studies
• SOC 325: Race and Ethnicity in America

Minor in American Studies

To Minor in American Studies, a student must complete 18 credits according to the following pattern:

Required Course:
AMST 101: Introduction to American Studies

Category Requirements:
American Studies Minors must take one course from the "American History" category and one course from the "American Literature" category:

A. American History:

• HIS: 101 Survey of American History I
• HIS: 111 Survey of American History II

B. American Literature:

• ENG 215: Survey of American Literature I
• ENG 217: Survey of American Literature II
• ENG 371: The American Identity
• ENG 373: The American Novel from 1860-1940

In consultation with the Program Director, American Studies minors must take 9 credits of elective courses, with at least one being a 300-level offering.