American Studies Program / University of West Georgia

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American Studies Program

University of West Georgia

What is American Studies? “The term American Studies encompasses a vast range of disciplines, all of which, in one way or another, are trying to describe the cultures of the United States. In recent years American studies has also incorporated comparative studies of Canada and Latin America; and indeed a transnational, global perspective on American culture has become one of the leading currents in the field as we begin the twenty-first century. Where, after all, do the borders of America stop, when its influence was, throughout the twentieth century, so pervasive on world cultures?”

Encyclopedia of American Studies (http://eas-ref.press.jhu.edu/)

The Minor in American Studies? American Studies, as an area of academic study, employs the approaches and critical methods of a number of different academic disciplines to analyze the cultures and societies of the United States. Since its methods and perspectives are interdisciplinary, it often brings together scholarly tasks that have been separated by the structure of academic departments and courses, placing American Studies at the forefront of much educational and intellectual reform. Students and employers have found American Studies programs and courses to be particularly valuable preparation for graduate study in the humanities and social sciences or for professional careers in private industry, law, government and politics, journalism, publishing, research institutions, museums, public history, and teaching. In completing the minor, students will have access to the resources of numerous academic departments and courses, as well as the opportunity to develop relevant technological skills. The required introductory course (Studies in American Culture) introduces students to this field of study and provides an intellectual immersion into the critical methods that it employs. See Dr. David Newton, American Studies Program Coordinator (English Department), for specific details and for a list of approved courses.

Requirements for the Minor in American Studies

The American Studies minor requires fifteen (15) hours taken from the following:

ONE course (3 hours) chosen from the following:

ENGL 2130, HIST 2111 or 2112

NOTE: English majors must take HIST 2111 or 2112, and History majors must take ENGL 2130.

All other majors may choose any one of the three courses listed above.

FOUR courses (12 hours) which include the following:

ENGL/HIST 3300--Studies in American Culture (3 hours)

Prerequisite: ENGL 2130, HIST 2111 or HIST 2112

This is a methods course in American Studies and is required for the Minor.

3/4000-Level Electives (9-12 hours)

NOTE: A minimum of nine (9) hours chosen from approved upper-division courses in various disciplines. The minor must include one upper-level course from English, one from History, and one from another discipline. English and History majors who opt for the minor will choose no upper-level elective from their major discipline, but will instead substitute a course from another discipline. English and History majors who take ENGL/HIST 3300 for the major must take an additional upper-level elective to satisfy the American Studies minor. See American Studies Program Director for approval of upper-division courses.

Courses Related to the American Studies Minor

Courses from a variety of academic disciplines can be used to satisfy the upper-division requirements for the American Studies minor.

If you have questions about which courses will count toward the American Studies minor, please contact the American Studies Coordinator.

Declaring the American Studies Minor

In order to declare the American Studies minor you must complete a minor declaration form. This form will be sent to the registrar so that they will know you have declared American Studies as your minor.

You can pick up a copy of the American Studies declaration form from the American Studies Coordinator or download it here (PDF Format)

American Studies Declaration Form

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