Students interested in the American Studies major often start by taking AMST 101, which is a major requirement and is typically offered during the fall semester. In addition, most 200-level AMST courses do not have prerequisites and are open to first-year students. The major requires students to complete two courses in the Cultural Productions group and two courses in the Historical Perspectives group, as well as three additional electives, AMST 390, and AMST 490. AMST 390 is the junior seminar that focuses on the theories and interdisciplinary methodologies of American Studies and prepares students to write their comprehensive theses in the AMST 490 senior seminar. At least two of the seven electives must be 300-level courses.
Placement Information
No placement exams are specifically required for the American Studies major.
Sample 4-Year Plan
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Curricular Notes
- Certain designated courses from Departments such as History, Black Studies, Religious Studies, and Art & Art History also count as American Studies Electives.
- The Junior Seminar (AMST390) is only taught in the spring semester. Junior American Studies majors who plan to study abroad should plan to do so in the fall of their junior year so they can be back on campus for AMST 390 in their spring semester.
Transfer Credit Policies
The American Studies Program accepts online courses for general elective credit, but will not accept online courses for major or minor credit. Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for more details.
- specific policies for majors/minors
- AP/IB Exam credit - course equivalencies?
- Online courses
- Policies specifically for matriculating frosh, transfer students, returning students after a leave of absence