AMERICAN STUDIES R
ace, politics, capitalism, globalization, popular culture. American studies places you at the heart of the 21st century’s most compelling narratives—and at Rollins, you’re given the flexibility to maximize that relevance. With a focus on four core departments and many ways to tailor your learning plan, you’ll develop a holistic, wide-ranging way of thinking and expression that is increasingly valued by graduate schools and employers alike. You’ll engage in hands-on learning under the watchful eye of expert faculty, building critical-thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills that will prepare you for a range of graduate programs and for a career in everything from business and law to health care and publishing.
Why Study American Studies at Rollins Connect with Campus Leaders As an American studies major at Rollins, you’ll be uniquely positioned to network with multiple department leaders and seize professional opportunities across campus.
Develop a Comprehensive Perspective Your coursework focuses on four core departments—English, history, political science, and sociology—allowing you to investigate American culture and society from multiple angles.
Discover Your Passions With a long list of electives and a requirement for coursework outside the core departments, the American Studies program is designed to let you explore many different academic disciplines.
“Majoring in American studies at Rollins gave me the flexibility to find and develop my interests and then really hone in on what I was passionate about. The major’s interdisciplinary approach helped me build a well-rounded perspective and develop the research, critical thinking, and communication skills I need to thrive in law school.”
Kalli Joslin ’19
JD Candidate, Georgetown University Law Center
Rollins American Studies Careers From law and health care to publishing and education, Rollins American studies grads are making tomorrow happen in an array of fields.
Rebecca Firpi ’15
MD Candidate, Florida International University
Elisabeth Hagood ’86
Attorney, Elisabeth Hagood, Attorney at Law
Hannah Horwath ’16
MD Candidate, University of North Florida
Grace Simpson ’16
Account Executive, Meredith Corporation
Taylor Thomas ’16
JD Candidate, University of Florida Levin College of Law
Real World Experience From internships and research to community engagement courses, Rollins American studies students hone their skills in the real world.
Popular Courses Rollins’ American studies courses focus on five key themes: the drivers of change; notions of equality; major divisions; core and conflicting principles in American society; and American exceptionalism and global perspectives. • AMST 200 Introduction to American Studies • MUS 165 History of Rock and Roll • SOC 331 The Civil Rights Movement • ENG 307 Immigrants in American Film and Literature • HIS 311 History of American Sexuality • POL 343 The American Presidency
Beyond the Classroom Study Abroad Because this major crosses several core disciplines, there are a diverse range of opportunities to study around the world for credit toward the major. As an American Studies student, you’ll be encouraged to take advantage of these study abroad programs in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and more.
One-on-One Collaboration As a senior in the American Studies major, you’ll spend your final semester working one-on-one with a professor to complete an interdisciplinary capstone project.
Faculty-Led Field Studies Field study experiences connect with work you’ll do in the classroom. So as you learn about American environmental history, you can also visit state and national parks. Or, as you study the literature of Flannery O’Connor and William Faulkner, you can visit their homes and tour the lands that inspired their work on a Southern lit road trip.
Expert Faculty Our robust American studies faculty is equipped with a high number of terminal degrees in their fields and a broad range of expertise in interdisciplinary study.
Amy Armenia, PhD | Professor of Sociology Research interests: Intersection of family and work, looking both at how parents balance work and family, and the challenges and contradictions faced by those who do paid care work
Don Davison, PhD | Professor of Political Science Research interests: Political behavior, American institutions, public policy, and formal theory and methodology
Paul Reich, PhD | Associate Professor of English Research interests: Late 19th- and 20th-century American literature, African-American literature, the American West, interdisciplinary studies, and popular culture
Claire Strom, PhD | Professor of History Research interests: U.S. history, especially American sexuality and the Vietnam War
rollins.college/american-studies