American Studies

AMST1101 Introduction to American Studies

Aesthetic Inquiry Literature (AI-L) Literary Inquiry (LI) Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM)

This course is designed to introduce students to the central concerns of American Studies as an interdisciplinary field. While using works of American literature and film as primary texts for analysis, this course employs an interdisciplinary analytical approach focused on keywords of shared interest across multiple disciplines. The keywords for study include sociopolitical concepts such as race, ethnicity, gender, and class, as well as key historical and institutional concepts, including democracy and multiculturalism. Scholarly studies assigned draw from an array of fields, including history, sociology, communication, black studies, gender studies, and indigenous studies. Through examinations of a variety of historical events and cultural experiences, this course illuminates the complexity and diversity of American identity and history. Fall semester. 4 credits

AMST4178 Directed Research in American Studies Under the guidance of a faculty member, students will undertake and complete a major research project on an American Studies-related topic. Offered as needed. 4 credits Prerequisite: Permission of department chair AMST4995 American Studies Internship This course involves an internship in a cooperating institution, regular discussion sessions, and the completion of several projects related to the internship site. Students select their internship with the approval of the agency and a department faculty member. Offered as needed. 4 credits Prerequisites: INT1001, senior status, and permission of department chair