Introduction

The concentration in American Studies is an integrated interdisciplinary major that offers students the opportunity to study the society and culture of the United States in its national and global contexts. By drawing on a broad range of knowledge from the humanities and social sciences, the concentration provides students with a wide-ranging, yet disciplined exploration of problems that cross the boundaries of traditional academic fields and reflect the diversity of the American experience. The program draws faculty and other resources from a number of affiliated departments including Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, Economics, English, Film and Television (COM), History, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, and Sociology.

The concentration in American Studies strives toward a balance of flexibility and structure. Students are allowed a great deal of freedom and personal choice in their course selection within a basic framework of required courses and a declared specialization in the field. Many majors also integrate internships and international opportunities into their course of study. The flexibility and small size of the program permits undergraduates to devise an interdisciplinary academic program best suited to their individual needs and interests. Students who major in American Studies have pursued careers in law, business, public policy, communications, education, journalism, teaching, and as professors of American studies, art history, history, and literature.

Although many of our students major only in American Studies, we also encourage students to consider it as a second concentration. An American Studies major can complement a concentration in Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, Economics, English, Film and Television (COM), History, Journalism (COM), International Relations, Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations (COM), Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, and Sociology in especially fruitful ways. Since consultation with an advisor is an integral part of designing a coherent course of study for American Studies, students are encouraged to meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies soon after they declare the major.

Students seeking more information about the undergraduate concentration in American Studies should contact:

Professor Jessica Sewell

Director of Undergraduate Studies

226 Bay State Road, Room 207

Boston, MA 02215
Office phone: 617-353-9913

E-mail                                                    

• Introduction
• Concentration Requirements
• Minor Concentration Requirements
• Courses