Program Overview

---

American Studies (PhD)

Overview

The American Studies program at New York University is one of the country's top-ranked programs in this dynamic field. It is an interdisciplinary program housed in the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis, studying United States society in national, hemispheric, and global frameworks. The program draws on faculty strength in a wide range of fields, including history, area studies, literature and film, gender studies, critical ethnic studies, political economy, and urban and environmental studies.

Program Description

The American Studies Program is designed as a transdisciplinary course of study, meant to prepare students for a wide variety of appointments and careers in academic, cultural, and public institutions. Interdepartmental by definition, the student's course of study is arranged with the director of the program and the director of graduate studies (DGS) and includes seminars offered in the program and selected courses offered in the following departments, programs, and institutes: Anthropology, Cinema Studies, Comparative Literature, English, Fine Arts, History, Journalism, Media, Culture, and Communications, Music, Performance Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, Visual Culture.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation
• A non-refundable application fee

Program Requirements

To qualify for the doctorate, a student must satisfactorily complete graduate studies totaling at least 72 credits, with a minimum of 32 credits at the doctoral level in residence at New York University; pass qualifying examinations; and present an approved dissertation. Students who have completed relevant graduate courses elsewhere may request that such courses be credited to degree requirements within the second semester of study. Credits may be earned through courses, independent study, and group study.

Course List

The following courses are required:

• AMST-GA 3301: American Studies Seminar (4 credits)
• AMST-GA 3303: Strategies for Social and Cultural Analysis (4 credits)
• AMST-GA 2306: Dissertation Proposal Writing (4 credits)
• Other Elective Credits (60 credits) Total Credits: 72

Additional Program Requirements

Fields of Study

Doctoral students choose to focus their coursework in two of the following fields and are examined in each:

1. Culture, work, and consumption
2. Identity, citizenship, and social formation
3. Media, communications, and expressive culture
4. Social and political theory
5. Science, technology, and society
6. Urban and community studies

Foreign Language Proficiency

Every student must satisfy the doctoral foreign language proficiency requirement. This may be done in one of three ways:

1. Demonstrate proficiency at an intermediate level in a second foreign language.
2. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the same language offered at the master's level in the Graduate School foreign language proficiency examination.
3. In special cases, complete a year-long course (with a grade of B or better) in statistics, computer methodology, or a technical skill related to the student's research, in addition to demonstrating proficiency in a first foreign language at the master's level.

Qualifying Examinations

Matriculated students who have completed or are completing the appropriate courses and have already demonstrated knowledge of a foreign language must pass the qualifying examinations. Each candidate for the Ph.D. must satisfy the requirements set by the faculty committee in two fields.

Dissertation Defense & Submission

When the student has completed at least one year in residence and all course and language requirements, passed the qualifying examinations, proposed an acceptable subject for the dissertation, and been recommended by the program, he or she is formally admitted to candidacy for the doctorate, and an advisory committee is appointed.

Departmental Approval

All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.

Sample Plan of Study

A sample plan of study is provided, outlining the coursework for each semester. Students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation (MAINT-GA 4747) course after completing the required coursework.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will display:

1. Development of literacy in a range of transdisciplinary research methods appropriate to the field of American Studies.
2. Ability to critically analyze, apply, and discuss theories, concepts, and critical issues in the field.
3. Proficiency in written and oral communication appropriate to the field.
4. Demonstration of mastery of one or more research methodologies in the production of work of publishable quality.
5. The ability to make a significant contribution based upon original research to the field of interdisciplinary American Studies.

Policies

University-wide policies and Graduate School of Arts and Science policies can be found on the respective policy pages.