American Studies
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American Studies is a broad, interdisciplinary major in American Civilization that focuses upon American experience and identity, past and present, using the methods and approaches of a variety of academic disciplines, as well as the cultural perspective of American Studies. The distinctive interdisciplinary approach of American Studies promotes well-rounded intellectual development, as well as valuable career skills in research, writing, critical thinking, and analysis.

Career Opportunities

Like most academic subjects, American Studies has no limited vocational purpose. It offers a broad general education in the liberal arts that fosters critical thinking, excellent problem solving skills, and the ability to express oneself articulately in both oral and written modes of communication. The American Studies program in PEL integrates the use of technology into many of its course offerings, promoting not only technical skills, but sophisticated understanding of this new medium of communication that is changing contemporary culture.

In PEL, the American Studies program provides outstanding preparation for a career in law. Many American Studies majors find that the interdisciplinary nature of American Studies training makes perfect preparation for law school, with its emphasis on critical reading, evaluation of argument, and critique of facts and assumptions. Many American Studies majors become lawyers; others become paralegals or conflict resolution arbitrators in human resources. Others enter public service and administration and serve as legislative staff at all levels of government. Some have become officers of granting agencies, foundations, and non-profit organizations.

In addition to law-related careers, American Studies provides excellent preparation for careers as diverse as education, commerce, marketing, public relations, business, publishing, media, politics, government and foreign service, public administration, non-profit management, varying roles in public cultural institutions such as museums, and historic preservation.

The Program

In PEL, the major is built around tracks in history, literature, communication and media studies, and museum studies. In order to allow students to shape their courses of study to their own intellectual goals, the major may also include courses in diverse fields such as philosophy, religion, art, economics, womenÕs and gender studies, and sociology, provided that the courses are related to understanding the society and culture of the United States.

Students who wish to focus on political science, cultural anthropology, minority, ethnic, or womenÕs issues should choose appropriate courses in consultation with the American Studies Program Coordinator.

A major in American Studies consists of a minimum of eleven courses: six courses in the general American Studies area and five courses from the chosen track.

The following tracks are offered in American Studies:

• History Track
• Literature Track
• Museum Studies Track
• Communications and Media Track

A minor in American Studies is also available.