Program Overview
American Studies Program
The American Studies program at Brandeis University is an interdisciplinary major that explores American culture, history, traditions, and identity. Students engage with a wide range of fields, including religion, politics, media, ethnic studies, journalism, and law.
Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
As an American studies major, students will explore the experiences and values of the American people and consider how Americans have shaped and articulated their nation's character in art, film, music, and other forms of cultural expression. The program encourages students to take courses in various fields, and many students double major in American studies and another discipline, such as history, politics, or sociology.
Why Brandeis?
At Brandeis, American studies undergraduates have direct access to world-class faculty, often working as collaborators with their professors. The program embraces a wide range of cultural expressions, including literature, film, music, art, theology, journalism, law, architecture, and digital media.
Academics and Research
Course of Study
The curriculum is designed to offer broad exposure to the many perspectives informing American studies, as well as depth in an area of interest. Students choose a course from the Main Currents in American Studies group, which includes titles such as "Religion in American Life," "Hollywood and American Culture," "American Environmental History," and "Frontier Visions: The West in American Culture." They also take two core courses that span nearly four centuries of U.S. history and culture.
Student Research Projects
Students in American Studies have ample opportunity to do an individually designed research project one-on-one with a faculty member or to pursue a program of specialized readings on topics not covered in regular courses. Students may choose to write a senior thesis on a topic of their interest in American Studies, whether for professional or personal reasons.
Faculty Excellence
Dedicated Scholars and Practitioners
In the interdisciplinary program, students are taught by highly productive professors from a variety of fields, including legal studies, environmental studies, journalism, and religion, and their research reflects this diversity.
Beyond the Classroom
Study Abroad
The program believes that a comparative approach illuminates the study of America. Majors often study abroad for a semester or full year in countries such as England, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Japan, India, or Israel and share their cross-cultural perspectives when they return.
Internships
Given the interdisciplinary nature of the American studies program, students are equipped to pursue internships in government, law, publishing, the arts, and more. Recent interns have completed performing arts internships at the Huntington Theater Company and a sports journalism internship at the Boston Globe.
Clubs and Activities
Many American studies majors are involved in campus clubs and activities, including serving as editors of student newspapers. Others have joined pre-professional clubs. The program also offers activities for American Studies students, including lectures, colloquia, and field trips.
Careers, Alumni, and Graduate Study
Careers and Alumni
Graduates of the program have gone on to work in law, communications, business, education, public policy, and the entertainment industry. Notable alumni include:
- Stan M. Brooks, a professor at the American Film Institute and past chair of the California Film Commission
- Janet Domenitz, president of the Consumer Federation of America and executive director of MASSPIRG
- Scott Feinberg, an award-winning columnist and podcast host for "The Hollywood Reporter"
- Alison Kibler, a teacher of American studies and women's and gender studies at Franklin and Marshall College
- Marc Tyler Nobleman, the author of more than 70 books, mostly for children
- Julieanna Richardson, the founder of The HistoryMakers, the nation's largest collection of African-American video oral histories on record
Graduate Study
With a major in American studies, students might choose to embark on graduate work in a related field such as history, media studies, or cultural studies.