American Studies Concentration 2024-2025 Edition

The American Studies Concentration is an interdisciplinary program of study that encourages a deeper understanding of the peoples and cultures of the United States and an appreciation of their place in the changing world. American Studies uses a range of materials, methodologies, and disciplinary perspectives to illuminate topics ranging from politics to popular culture. This is an 18 credit concentration. Students must have a primary concentration in the College of Business or a major in the College of Arts and Sciences. Students completing an American Studies Concentration will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Analyze a wide variety of cultural and social artifacts in order to contribute to a richer understanding of the United States.
  • Synthesize diverse scholarly approaches and theories in the study of the United States and its place in the world.
  • Describe the diversity of “American experiences” both within and outside of the nation’s geographical and political boundaries.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the significance of United States culture and politics in other parts of the globe.
  • Communicate research findings and interpretations clearly and effectively.

American Studies Concentration Requirements

LCS/HIS 282Introduction to American Studies3
HIS (one 300 or 400 level U.S. History course)3
POLS or ECO (one Americanist Political Science or Economics course)3
LCS (one Americanist LCS course)3
Elective (one Americanist elective from LCS, HSS, or ECO Departments)3
LCS 497Directed Study in Literary and Cultural Studies 13
or HIS 497 Directed Study in History

 A minimum of 18 credits is required for the concentration.

1

One Directed Study "Senior Project" conducted with an instructor in the LCS or HIS Department.