American Studies Program
The four-course American Civilization (Civ I-IV) sequence covers the historical, cultural, political, and social development of the United States from before the founding to the present. Students begin taking American Studies core courses in their sophomore year, and generally declare themselves as American Studies majors by the end of their sophomore/beginning of their junior year.
History 180 and 181
Majors are required to take a two-course American history sequence, including HIST-180 and HIST-181(or two comparable courses if students have earned AP History credits).
Upper-Division Electives
American Studies students also devise a major concentration consisting of six upper division elective courses that constitute a program of study in a general area of interest to them. The concentration is developed by each student in consultation with their faculty advisor and should represent an interdisciplinary approach to an area of primary interest to the student.
Senior Thesis
All American Studies seniors must complete a year-long thesis process to graduate. The senior thesis is the capstone experience for American Studies majors and is an independent project that incorporates original thought, argument, and analysis. The project can take the form of a traditional written thesis or a digital project. You can view the subjects of the American Studies class of 2006's senior theses here.