Students majoring in American studies take a minimum of 14 courses (42 credits).
Required American studies courses:
- American Civilization I: Introduction to American Studies
- American Civilization II: Theory and Practice
- American Civilization III: Research Methods
- American Civilization IV: Senior Seminar
Required disciplinary courses:
- American Art: 1650-1950 or Special Topics in Film or American Music
- Historical Archeology: Material Culture in Everyday Life or The American Built Environment
- The American Literary Renaissance or Realism and Naturalism in 19th-Century American Literature
- American Immigrant Experience or Urban America
- Classic American Philosophy
Students choose a minimum of five additional elective courses in consultation with their adviser and with approval from the program coordinator. In addition, students majoring in American studies produce an original piece of scholarly research during the fall semester of their senior year, as part of their capstone experience. The thesis project is presented publicly in December of the senior year.