Course of Study
Certificate requirements include:
- The Core Course, AMS 201
- Two 300-level AMS seminars
- Three electives, from three different departments outside the student's major.
- A senior thesis on a topic relating to American history, society, or culture.
The prerequisite of the Program is AMS 201:
AMS 201 Introduction to American Studies: American Places
An introduction to the key themes of interdisciplinary work on North America, from the fifteenth century to the modern era. Readings and multi-media materials will focus on the study of particular American places. Topics may include Native-European contact, the American Revolution, slavery, urbanization, the rise of mass culture, and the computer revolution.
In addition to 201, the student must complete two 300-level American Studies courses, involving cooperative study of major topics in American civilization and their relation to other aspects of American life. Customarily, but not always, the courses operate as seminars, with emphasis on independent research and writing. Lectures and discussion led by outside specialists frequently supplement the coursework. Recent topics have included “American Art and Culture: the 1960’s;” "America in the Age of Reagan;" "The Ten Commandments in Modern America," "Children's Television: History, Politics, and Economics;" and “Civil Society and Public Policy.” Program courses may be taken as electives or for departmental credit with permission of the student’s home departmental representative. Admission to most 300-level courses is by application, with preference given to Program members. If space permits, a limited number of upperclass students not enrolled in the program may be admitted.
The American Studies student must also complete three one-term electives in the American field (pass/D/fail not acceptable), chosen from the curricula of the participating departments. The electives are subject to the approval of the director. A list of acceptable courses is available in the American Studies Program office, and at our website.
The student is expected to complete a normal departmental program, with such emphasis upon the American field as that department permits, and a senior thesis on a topic related to American history, society, or culture. If the student's major is in a field which does not lend itself to an American Studies topic, the student should consult with the Program Director to work out an alternate project.
Certificate of Proficiency
Students completing all components of the Program will receive a Certificate of Proficiency upon graduation. A list of students receiving the certificate appears in the commencement program.
