American Studies
The American Studies Program is interdisciplinary, comparative, and internationally oriented. The competitive-admissions major examines the development and expressions of national culture alongside those of borderland and diasporic American cultures and amongst global cultures. It draws on a broad range of faculty from the humanities and social sciences so that students can examine components of US culture and the diverse experiences of Americans and others affected by Americans locally, nationally, and globally. Students are allowed a wide-ranging yet disciplined exploration that crosses the boundaries of traditional academic fields. All students write a thesis explicitly dealing with the United States in a comparative or global dimension.
Because this selective honors program has more applicants than available space, admission depends in part on academic distinction and on demonstrated interest in comparative American cultures. First- and second-year students apply for admission to the major early in spring quarter.
Study abroad and upper-level language proficiency are strongly encouraged.
AMER_ST 301-1 Seminar for Majors (1 Unit) Set of required courses structured to share a broad comparativist or internationally oriented theme, integrating methods and materials from different disciplines. Change of instructor each quarter; change of theme every year. Limited to 20 students.
AMER_ST 301-2 Seminar for Majors (1 Unit) Set of required courses structured to share a broad comparativist or internationally oriented theme, integrating methods and materials from different disciplines. Change of instructor each quarter; change of theme every year. Limited to 20 students.
AMER_ST 301-3 Seminar for Majors (1 Unit) Set of required courses structured to share a broad comparativist or internationally oriented theme, integrating methods and materials from different disciplines. Change of instructor each quarter; change of theme every year. Limited to 20 students.
AMER_ST 310-0 Studies in American Culture (1 Unit) Readings and discussions of topics in American cultural life-for example, law in 20th century America or television news in contemporary US culture. Limited enrollment with emphasis on student participation. Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit with consent of program director.
AMER_ST 390-1 Senior Project (1 Unit) Thesis or field study. Required of majors. Advanced Expression
AMER_ST 390-2 Senior Project (1 Unit) Thesis or field study. Required of majors. Advanced Expression