American Studies offers challenging and diverse opportunities to study the peoples, cultures and institutions of the United States in interdisciplinary courses. Combining the study of history with literature, the arts and the social sciences, American Studies seeks to bring together these various disciplines and modes of inquiry in a common project: the effort to understand the diverse peoples and cultures that have composed the United States and to provide critical perspectives on the words, deeds, myths and material practices that have shaped this country in its full regional, ethnic, class and gender diversity. An education in American Studies will be particularly appropriate for students interested in pursuing careers in law, journalism, government, foreign service, social work, international business, public administration and education.
The program in American Studies is administered by an Advisory Committee comprising a director and two other faculty members, one from the social sciences and the other from the humanities. These faculty members serve as advisors to majors and minors, thus providing, in conjunction with the sequence of courses, a unique opportunity for students to undertake an interdisciplinary concentration under close faculty supervision.
Ten courses in American Studies or courses certified for American Studies credit are required. The required courses include: ENGL 263 American Literature; HIST 200 The American Experience; AMST 301 Introduction to American Studies; AMST 498 Senior Seminar in American Studies.
Students must choose the remaining six courses required for the major from the approved list of American Studies courses and in terms of an area of concentration. Concentrations include: (1) American Cultural and Intellectual Life; (2) American Social and Institutional Life; and (3) Gender and Ethnicity in America. Only one of the six concentration courses can be taken below the 300 level. Of the six concentration courses, no more than three can be taken in one department.
On choosing a major in American Studies, the student must consult with the program chair about the assigned advisor, whom the student will be expected to consult in choosing a series of courses with intellectual coherence and sufficient range and depth. In exceptional cases, a student has the option of structuring his or her own concentration. The rationale for and content of such an individual program must be submitted in writing to the program chair for approval by the program chair and the steering committee.
For the minor in American Studies, 24 units in American Studies and related fields are required. These units must be distributed as follows: ENGL 263; HIST 200; AMST 301 and 498; and two additional courses. These additional courses must be chosen from the courses certified in American Studies, at the 300 level or above.
Students will be required to follow the general education requirements for the B.A. in Social Sciences.
Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995