Majors

In American Studies, we explore the history, literature, and culture of the United States and the larger Americas from an interdisciplinary perspective. Our undergraduate major is one of the most intellectually ambitious degrees offered by the College of Arts & Sciences, offering smaller classes, tougher academic requirements, and a closer working relationship with individual faculty right up through the composition of a senior thesis.

Graduates with the B.A. in American Studies can expect the following outcomes:

• The ability to set the history, politics, and culture of the United States in a global and comparative context.
• The ability to think logically and analytically, to make detailed observations, and to formulate interdisciplinary interpretations of the literature, art, music, and mass culture of the United States, Canada, and the Americas.
• Familiarity with fundamental principles of American Studies as an interdisciplinary field.
• Expertise in collecting, documenting, maintaining, and managing evidence, and in organizing and composing interpretive and research essays.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Many different careers in traditional and nontraditional fields can result from this training, including careers in the legal profession, social work, politics, academia, and public history. The American Studies degree also provides excellent preparation for nearly any graduate or professional degree.

For detailed information about degree requirements, visit the most recent College of Arts & Sciences Academic Bulletin.