American Studies

Our major engages you in the interdisciplinary analysis of the complex interactions of peoples, cultures, social structures, and political institutions that shape and have shaped our country. Faculty help students acquire the analysis tools need to explore how Americans have described, housed, educated, and packaged themselves through architecture, books, movies, political speeches, civic celebrations, movies, historic sites, museums, and other venues. Finally, by exploring the relationship of the United States to the rest of the world, you acquire a comparative perspective on national narratives while developing the critical interpretative, writing and speaking skills needed to unravel and explain the United States’ complex character.

For more information, we have a one-page printable handout: