American Studies Concentration

Henry Rietz, Chair

American studies is an evolving interdisciplinary field that is anchored by the interrelated study of race, gender, ethnicities, classes, sexuality, religion, and political culture. An acute sensitivity to the historical context of intellectual and social movements, influenced by both regional and global events, is at the core of such a pursuit and constitutes the purpose of a concentration in the 21st century.

The introductory course in the foundations in American studies explores themes through historical and literary documents and other resources. In addition to completing four required courses (the introduction, two theory courses, and the senior seminar), students plan a structured sequence of courses selected from core and elective lists representing a variety of disciplines in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Required, 24 credits as follows:

1. Required Courses

   • American Studies 130 American Beliefs and Cultural Values 4 credits

   • American Studies 225 Theory and Method in American Studies 4 credits

   • Anthropology 235 Anthropology of American Culture 4 credits

   • American Studies 495 Senior Seminar 4 credits

2. Elective Courses

   • Two 4-credit courses, one course from social studies and one course from humanities

One 4-credit course chosen from the following:

   • English 227 American Literary Traditions I

   • English 228 American Literary Traditions II

   • English 231 American Literary Traditions III

   • History 111 American History I

   • History 112 American History II

And

One 4-credit course chosen from the following list or a 4-credit course with a primary focus on American society, which has been approved by the American studies concentration chair.

Additional courses in this category will be listed each semester in the registrar's Schedule of Courses.

   • Anthropology 200 Cultural Politics of Hybridity
   • Art 232 Art Since 1945
   • Art 233 American Art
   • Economics 229 American Economic History
   • Education 101 Educational Principles in a Pluralistic Society
   • Education 210 Perspectives on Educational Issues
   • Education 212 Critical Pedagogy and School Reform
   • English 229 The Tradition of African American Literature
   • English 232 Ethnic American Literatures
   • English 325 Studies in Ethnic American Literatures
   • English 326 Studies in American Poetry I
   • English 328 Studies in American Poetry II
   • English 329 Studies in African American Literature
   • English 330 Studies in American Prose I
   • English 331 Studies in American Prose II
   • History 211 Colonial and Revolutionary America 1450 - 1788
   • History 212 Democracy in America 1789 - 1848
   • History 214 The American Civil War and Reconstruction
   • History 222 The History of Women in the United States
   • History 227 African American History
   • History 228 The Promised Land: U.S. Immigration History
   • Music 202 Topics in American Music
   • Music 204 The Jazz Tradition in America
   • Philosophy 258 Classical and Contemporary American Pragmatism
   • Philosophy 261 Philosophy of Race and Gender
   • Philosophy 392 Advanced Studies in Anglo-American Philosophy
   • Physics 180 Bridges, Towers, and Skyscrapers
   • Political Science 216 Politics of Congress
   • Political Science 219 Constitutional Law and Politics
   • Political Science 222 Welfare State, Politics, and Society
   • Political Science 237 Political Parties
   • Political Science 238 Campaigns and Elections
   • Political Science 239 The Presidency
   • Political Science 250 Politics of International Relations
   • Political Science 310 Advanced Seminar in American Politics
   • Political Science 319 Advanced Seminar in Constitutional Law and Politics
   • Religious Studies 240 The Bible and Liberation
   • Religious Studies 241 Religion in U.S. Public Life
   • Religious Studies 295: Islam in the U.S.
   • Sociology 240 Social Movements
   • Sociology 260 Human Sexuality in the United States
   • Sociology 275 Race and Ethnicity in America
   • Spanish 383 The Spanish American Colonial World
   • Theatre 203 American Theatre
   • Theatre 310 Studies in Dance

130 American Beliefs and Cultural Values (Fall and Spring) 4 credits

An examination of selected beliefs and values that have been central to the shaping of American life and culture. Core values such as equality, individualism, success, freedom, a sense of special mission, pastoralism, and others treated in topical units that range over the totality of American experience. Prerequisite: none. BARLOW, SCOTT.

211 The Africanist Presence in American Studies (Fall) 4 credits+

This interdisciplinary course introduces issues and themes related to the experience of people and communities of the African diaspora. The readings are particularly intended to foster critical thinking about "race," "identity," and "communities of meaning"; and to introduce the political implications of constructing narratives about the African diaspora. Prerequisite: second-year standing or permission of the instructor. GIBEL MEVORACH.

225 Theory and Method in American Studies (Fall) 4 credits

An interdisciplinary survey of contemporary theory and method in American Studies, in light of some historic precursors, with special emphasis on sociohistorical and literary approaches to the study of American culture. Prerequisite: American Studies 130 and second-year standing. SCOTT.

275 Topics in American Culture (Fall) 4 credits+

An interdisciplinary investigation of selected problems, trends, or themes in American culture, such as regionalism, popular culture, mass communication, minority cultures, women's lives, and other engaging issues central to American experience. Prerequisite: American Studies 130 and second-year standing. SCOTT.

391 Advanced Topics in American Studies (Spring) 4 credits+

An advanced investigation engaging modes of cultural and historical analysis in American studies. Content may vary, and will be announced in advance each year. Prerequisite: American Studies 130 and 225, or permission of instructor. GIBEL MEVORACH.

495 Senior Seminar (Fall or Spring) 4 credits

An interdisciplinary seminar for students completing the concentration in American studies. Topics vary, with broad application of methodological skills. Prerequisite: American Studies 225 or permission of instructor.