Committee on American Studies: Martin Burke (Carman Hall, Room 202B)
and Earl Fendelman
American Studies is an interdisciplinary major that investigates the
content and meaning of American culture. Students selecting this course
of study will acquire a broad picture of American experience from colonial
times to the present day, together with the methodological techniques required
for analysis of primary materials. Students will study widely in history,
literature, the arts, and the social sciences, exploring the theoretical
constructs and substantive interpretations of the various disciplines that
examine American life. They will apply these contributions to specific content
areas of American experience, seeking to develop a systematic method to
explain and evaluate American culture. In consultation with a member of
the American Studies committee, each student will formulate an individual
program of study, without reference to traditional departmental fields.
The program thus offers the opportunity to investigate those features of
American culture that match student interests. Special courses emphasizing
research and critical thought, such as seminars and tutorials taught by
participating faculty, will be provided to synthesize the work of each student
in the major. Students completing the American Studies Program will receive
a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies and will be prepared for graduate
study.
Admission Requirements
Students selecting the major in American studies shall have met the following
requirements:
- Completion of courses in the following distribution areas: historical
studies, comparative cultures, and social sciences.
- Completion of at least 60 credits at the time formal work in the program
begins. It is anticipated that students will declare the selection of the
American studies major at the end of the sophomore year. Prior to this
point, the Committee on American Studies will be available to advise prospective
candidates for the program.
- A cumulative grade index of not less than 2.5 for the first 60 credits.
- Approval of the Committee on Am-erican Studies.
The Committee on American Studies shall have at its discretion the option
of waiving under unusual circumstances any of these requirements.
Programs
Each semester the Committee on American Studies will advise students
in the program of the appropriate courses to be offered in the ensuing semester
by departments participating in the program, as well as courses to be offered
by the American Studies Program. Each student majoring in American Studies
must receive the Committee's approval before registering for any course
to be credited toward the major.
36-Credit Major in American Studies, B.A
The required credits are drawn from a combination of American Studies
courses and courses offered in related disciplines. While AMS 111 and 211
are not technically prerequisites for entering the major, it is highly recommended
that students take these courses before they do so.
Required Credits (36)
| 9 |
In American Studies, including AMS 360 (may be repeated for a maximum of
6 credits), AMS 361, and either AMS 460 or 485
|
| 27 |
In courses in related disciplines, approved by the American Studies Committee,
that offer substantial background for American studies. These courses shall
be selected from at least three different departments, and shall include
12 credits in one of those departments. |
Honors in American Studies
Honors in American Studies may be conferred upon a student who satisfies
the College requirements for interdepartmental honors at the time of graduation
and has completed a senior thesis (see course description for AMS 485) that
is deemed outstanding by the Committee on American Studies.
Courses in American Studies
AMS 111: American Culture-Value and Traditions. 3 hours, 3 credits.
Introduction to the values, traditions, and beliefs central to American
culture.
*AMS 211: American Studies Methods and Materials. 3 hours, 3 credits.
AMS 360: Special Topics in American Studies. 3 hours, 3 credits
(maximum 6 credits). Examination of selected content areas of American culture.
Emphasis upon integrating material drawn from various disciplines into a
consistent perspective on American culture through the application of alternative
theories of the meaning of American experience. PREREQ: AMS 211 (or equivalent)
and adviser's permission.
AMS 361: Contributions to American Studies. 3 hours, 3 credits.
Examination of the contribution of various fields of study to the investigation
of American culture. Topics may include myth-symbol analysis, structuralism,
functionalism, systems models, aesthetic and evolutionary models, and quantitative
inferences. PREREQ: AMS 211 (or equivalent) and adviser's permission.
*AMS 460: American Studies Seminar. 3 hours, 3 credits. PREREQ:
Either AMS 360 or 361 and adviser's permission.
*AMS 485: Independent Study. 3 hours, 3 credits (maximum 6 credits).
Individual research projects on specific interdisciplinary problem in American
culture, directed by a faculty member in the American Studies Program. Normally
a research paper is expected, which may serve as a senior thesis. Outstanding
papers will be considered for honors awards. PREREQ: Either AMS 360 or 361
and adviser's and instructor's permission. | 
