American Studies Major

Major Requirements

The American Studies major consists of ten (10) courses which includes three (3) core courses (described below), seven (7) electives, and an
internship.

Required Core Courses

• Methods Course: AMST 200 - Critical Methods for American Studies Research  (Spring semester only)
• Junior Seminar in Community Engagement: Themes vary for this AMST 300-level seminar. The seminar may require an additional community-based learning component (Fall semester only)
• Senior Capstone: AMST 400 - Senior Seminar . Capstones are eligible for inclusion in the digital open-access undergraduate journal Tapestries (Fall semester only).

Content Courses

• In addition to the three (3) required courses, the major plan will include seven (7) electives. These courses may include cross-listed courses, or a maximum of four credits earned from a Study Away/Study Abroad program.

Internship

• In addition to the ten (10) courses, the American Studies major also requires at least two (2) credits in an off-campus internship. Internship placements must be meaningful, relevant and connected in some way to coursework in the major, with a faculty sponsor from American Studies. Both graded and pass-fail internships are acceptable.

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.