American Studies Major (AMS)

American Studies is an interdisciplinary major which approaches the study of American culture from the perspective of a variety of academic disciplines. This approach encourages students to form a broad understanding of the ideas, issues, and events which have shaped our national identity. Students will develop an area of concentration in consultation with the program coordinator.

Students who successfully complete the American Studies major will:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the key factors shaping American history and culture;
  • demonstrate knowledge of how American literature contributes to American culture;
  • demonstrate knowledge of how other cultural influences shape American society, including (but not limited to) art, politics, religion, and philosophy;
  • analyze aspects of American identity in writing;
  • analyze aspects of American identity orally.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Contact: Professor Todd Coke
No minor required.
A minimum of fifteen hours must be taken at the 300-level or above.
Core Courses18 hours
Required Course Selections9 hours
Elective Courses24 hours
Total51

Required Course Selections

Select three of the following courses from three different departments:

Item #
Title
Credit Hour(s)
Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
9

Elective Courses

Select remaining 24 hours from the following departments, subject to approval from the program director: Art, Biology, Communication, Economics, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, or Sociology.

Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
24
Total credits:
51