Program Overview

Department of American Studies

The Department of American Studies offers a comprehensive program that explores the complexities of American culture, history, and society.

Undergraduate Program

• The undergraduate program in American Studies provides students with a rich and diverse curriculum that encompasses various aspects of American life, including history, literature, art, and culture.
  • The program offers a Major in American Studies, which includes a range of courses that allow students to explore different facets of American society.
  • Students can also pursue a Double Major in American Studies and another field of study.
  • The department offers several Minors, including Critical and Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies (CCRES), American Studies, and Asian American Studies.
• The Certificate in Curation and Cultural Programming is another option available to students, which provides them with the skills and knowledge necessary to curate and program cultural events and exhibitions.

Course Offerings

• The department offers a wide range of courses that cater to different interests and academic goals.
  • 050:284:MA - American Folklife is a course that explores the material folk culture of America, including folk architecture, crafts, art, costumes, and foods.
  • The course covers various topics, such as land use, cultivation, housing, settlement, and subsistence crafts, and proceeds through furniture, domestic handwork, leisure-time handicrafts, decorative arts, representational art, musical instruments, and folk toys.

Academic Opportunities

• The department provides students with various academic opportunities, including Study Abroad programs, Independent Study, and Honors programs.
• Students can also participate in Internships and Research projects, which provide them with hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
• The department offers several Scholarships, including the Helene K. Grynberg Scholarship for Majors and the Louise Duus Book Scholarship for Minors.

Career Opportunities

• The American Studies program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, including Employment in fields such as education, law, journalism, and public policy.
• Students can also pursue Graduate School and further their education in American Studies or related fields.
• The department's Asian American Studies Initiative and Joint Degrees program provide students with additional opportunities for academic and professional growth.