American Studies

Program Coordinator:   Todd Coke

Interdisciplinary Major

(B.A. Degree) (No minor is required) A total of fifty-one semester hours required, including AMS 250 Introduction to American Studies; HIS 223 and 225, Introduction to American History I and II; HIS 475 Topics in the Social and Intellectual History of the U.S.; English 318 and 320, American Literature I and II; AMS 450 Senior American Studies Seminar.

In addition to the core courses, three of the following courses (from three different departments) are also required: ART 414 Modern Art History; COMM 306 Media Criticism; MUS 426 Music History Since 1750; PHIL 412 American Philosophy; HIS 338 Religion in American History; SOC 309 Sociology of Religion; SOC 113 Modern Social Problems; POS 100 American Government; ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics.

An additional seven courses will be chosen from the following allied departments (in consultation with the program director): Art, Biology, Business, Communications, Economics, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, and Sociology.

Recommended Sequence of Courses

The design of the American Studies major allows for great flexibility in the sequence of courses.  Please consult with the Program Director in order to develop an area of concentration in the elective courses.  There is no specific suggested sequence of courses, though it is suggested that the student take AMS 250 in the sophomore year and AMS 450 in the senior year. It would also be helpful to complete HIS 223 and 225 and ENG 318 and 320 before taking AMS 450.