Aug 31, 2025  
College Catalog 2009-2011 
    
College Catalog 2009-2011 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

American Studies Major


Major Requirements


The American Studies major consists of 14 courses which includes four required courses plus electives. Students are encouraged to develop an area of emphasis with their advisor.

Required Elements for the Major

  1. Introductory course (AMST 101 ). “Explorations of Race and Racism,” or equivalent (AMST 103  or AMST 110 ).
  2. Methods Course (AMST 200 ). Critical Methods for American Studies Research. This course is required of all majors declared after May 2008.
  3. Junior Seminar in Civic Engagement (AMST 300 ). This seminar is required of all majors declared after May 2005.
  4. Senior Capstone (AMST 400 ). Critical Perspectives in American Studies. This senior capstone is required of all majors.
  5. Content Courses. In addition to the four required courses, the major plan will include ten electives. Majors can include courses from other ACTC colleges and/or study abroad and study away programs. The department will decide which courses can be listed as content courses for the major. These courses will engage the scholarship of race and ethnic studies. Study away courses will be included if the department deems them adequately connected in context to the experiences of people of color within the United States.

Other Elements of the Major

  1. Majors are encouraged to take at least one international and/or diasporic course.
  2. Majors are encouraged to enroll in study abroad (in an international course of study) or study away programs (in a U.S.-based urban studies program).
  3. Majors are encouraged to have the equivalent of two years of work in a language other than English. Note: Native American languages would fulfill this requirement.
  4. Majors are encouraged to take an internship, decided upon in consultation with the department chair.
  5. Majors who meet college criteria are encouraged to conduct an honors project in conjunction with their senior capstone.