Requirements for a B.A. in
American Studies
To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies, a student must complete ten courses, as follows:
- One Foundation course AMER10-20
- One Integrative Seminar AMER 181-190
- One History course with at least two-thirds of course content focused on some aspect of the U.S.
- Five credits that form a thematic interdisciplinary cluster, including at least two courses at the 100+ level
- American Studies 198 (Senior Special Project), taken in either the fall or spring semester of the senior year, plus one elective course (content to coordinate with coursework of interdisciplinary cluster); OR American Studies 199 (Senior Honors Thesis), taken in both semesters of the senior year. The Senior Special Project or Honors Thesis must integrate or expand some aspect of the interdisciplinary cluster’s theme.
Interdisciplinary clusters: The major themes of the American Studies Program can be explored in depth through interdisciplinary clusters. Students select five courses from departments throughout the university which will relate to a cluster's theme. (Students may also design their own cluster by writing a proposal describing the theme, intellectual rationale and course content for the proposed cluster.) The capstone SSP or HT must expand on some aspect of the cluster. More about Interdisciplinary Clusters...
Students must submit a completed major concentration checklist along with their degree sheets to Dowling Hall. A copy of both documents must also be submitted to the American Studies Office-110 Eaton Hall.