Requirements
of the Major |
Convener: Stephen Rice Faculty: Thomas Heed Carter Meyer Sharon Rubin |
About the Major
The American Studies major encourages exploration of the character
of the United States as a unique multicultural mosaic functioning
within an emerging global order. The program bridges many disciplines
as it focuses on the various expressions of American society
contained in its history, art, and literature. Through an analysis
of its political and social development, students gain insights
into the national dynamic; and through inquiry and debate of
an ethical standard, students gain a perspective to evaluate
the nation's actions and beliefs.
Students majoring in American Studies receive a solid grounding
in American culture in history to better understand its evolution;
in political structure to better recognize the forces and instruments
of change; in literature to experience American society from
varied perspectives; and in the pluralism of our society, with
particular attention to race, gender, and ethnicity. Course
clusters and sequences exist in women's studies, African American
studies, international outlooks, and social pluralism. At the
upper level, students encounter course work relating to each
of the following themes: America's role in the world, American
regionalism, American thought and values, American artistic
expression. Inherent in the American Studies major is the recognition
of the nation’s developing response to the challenges and
opportunities of an ever-expanding global commitment. Each semester,
visiting foreign scholars will alert us to the growing need
for talented and trained "bridge" experts to facilitate
the increasing array of relations between the U.S. and other
nations.
It is apparent, therefore, that American Studies graduates,
having gained appreciation and comprehension of the changing
global context, will enjoy increasing career choices as the
demand for Americanists grows. Additionally, the major's liberal
arts emphasis on thinking, analyzing, evaluating, and communicating
provides excellent preparation for both career entry and graduate
study. American Studies graduates find employment in a wide
variety of fields, including international business, education,
communications, publishing, and historic preservation, as well
as in museums and archives. Advanced degrees are most often
pursued in law, business, museum studies and American studies.
The American Studies major leads to the B.A. degree, and is
offered through the School of American and lnternational Studies.
A minor is not available.
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