AMST 388 - Junior Seminar: State of the Field

This core seminar traces the arc of American Studies as an interdisciplinary field through a variety of sources including: essays from American Quarterly, speeches by past presidents of the American Studies Association, excerpts of scholarly monographs, and selected terms from Keywords in American Cultural Studies. Guest speakers; films; music, art & poetry; local field trips; and campus events may work their way into the syllabus depending on the subject. To encourage a bird’s-eye view, seminar participants will take turns leading discussion, produce a “State of the Field” commentary (including revision based on peer review), and pursue a scholarly research project culminating in a final paper. Prerequisite(s): Prior coursework in American Studies and permission from the instructor are required to enroll. Offered every year. (4 Credits)