About the Program

American Studies is a program for students who want to move beyond a single perspective and grapple with pressing questions and complex issues about American history, culture, and society. You will develop novel insights and deeper understanding through this dynamic, multifaceted approach. At the same time, the exceptional intellectual dexterity, creative problem-solving, and independent initiative fostered by the American Studies program will prepare you for a wide range of future paths – from law, to journalism, to the arts, and more.

What You'll Study

American Studies combines rigorous foundational courses with a flexible, individualized academic experience:

• American Studies offers depth and breadth: Through core courses in History, Politics, and Society; Literature, and the Arts, and Race and Ethnicity American Studies gives you a rich historical awareness, while also introducing you to diverse disciplinary approaches and perspectives on American identity, culture, and society, past and present.

• American studies is individualized and flexible: In addition to enjoying choice in fulfilling core requirements, you will design your own individualized thematic concentration, focusing on issues and topics most compelling to you.  You will also receive personalized attention from your advisor, guiding you on your unique path.

•  American Studies is lively and diverse: The interdisciplinarity of the program and wide-ranging interests of our faculty and students makes American Studies a site for vibrant, collegial encounters and conversations both in and beyond the classroom. You will make connections with fascinating faculty from around the university, while a robust and varied schedule of speakers, social events, and other activities ensures that you will also learn about and engage with communities and causes beyond the classroom.

• American Studies prepares you for a range of possible futures:   You will gain an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and awareness, as well as the intellectual dexterity, independent thinking, and creative problem-solving skills needed for many future career paths, including law, medicine, journalism, media, arts, academia, non-profits, and more!  The world needs nimble, informed, creative thinkers and doers.