American Studies Concentration
In the American Studies concentration of the Humanities BA, students complete the core courses in Humanities while focusing on the histories, cultures, political structures, myths, and ideas of “America” from precolonial times to the present. Students begin by taking our most popular course, the full year "American Cultures" sequence, and then advance into small seminars like "American Popular Culture," "The American Dream," and "Nature and World Cultures." As of Fall 2021, the Humanities BA has a new required course, HUM 95 Introduction to Digital Humanities, which will provide students with an additional skillset to apply to the study of American cultures and to take with them in their future endeavors. Students ultimately complete the major by taking a senior seminar in which they produce a senior thesis project. For transfer students, there's an alternative option for completing the major that is just as dynamic, and primarily based in upper division coursework.
In order to major in American Studies, simply select the American Studies concentration within the Humanities major. American Studies graduates master knowledge and skills helpful to careers in teaching, tech, advanced study in law and public policy, curatorial and museum work, or business, to name only a few. Employers and graduate schools value the critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills of a broad liberal arts education like that provided in American Studies.
