The American studies major, by examining the development of a national culture
from several perspectives, provides students whose interests transcend the offerings
of single departments a wide cultural background in American life. The student
is helped to arrive at an interdisciplinary perspective and to explore historical
and ideological relationships through thematic motif and typological study.
The major offers an excellent liberal education and can serve as preparation
for high school teaching in the social sciences, American literature and American
history; it also can provide a sound basis for graduate study in fields such
as literature, history, American studies, law, etc. Students who choose the
major may also enter museum work.
Requirements for Major
* A student satisfies the requirements for the American studies major by successfully
completing 11 units as follows:
* History 101--American Dreams and Realities. (This course is the introductory
course for American studies.)
* Nine units chosen from existing departmental offerings: English--a minimum
of three units related to American literature; history--a minimum of three units
including at least one unit in U.S. history before 1877 and at least one unit
in U.S. history after 1877; three units related to American life with at least
one unit in the social sciences chosen from anthropology and sociology, art,
communication studies, economics, music, philosophy, political science, religion,
theatre.
* American Studies 412--Directed Study. An interdisciplinary directed study
dealing in a written, oral or visual manner with American life and culture.
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