Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

American Studies


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Faculty

Chair

Theodore S. Gonzalves
BA, Santa Clara University, 1990; M.A., San Francisco State University, 1993; Ph.D., University of California at Irvine, 2001

Associate Professors

Patrice McDermott
B.A., University of Maryland, College Park, 1980; M.A., 1982; Ph.D., 1989

Assistant Professors

Tamara Bhalla
B.A., Boston University, 2000; M.A. University of Michigan, 2003; Ph.D, University of Michigan, 2008

Paula Nicole King
B.A., Coastal Carolina University, 1999; M.A., University of New Mexico, 2001; Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park, 2008

Kimberly Moffitt
B.A., University of North Carolina Charlotte, 1992; M.S., Boston University, 1994; Ph.D., Howard University, 2000

Professor Emeritus

Warren J. Belasco
B.A., University of Michigan, 1969; M.A., 1972; Ph.D., 1977

W. Edward Orser
B.A., Randolph-Macon College, 1962; M.A., Yale University, 1963; Ph.D., University of New Mexico, 1969

Senior Lecturer

Kathy Bryan
B.A., Drake University, 1979; M.A., University of Maryland, College Park, 1981; Ph.D., 1991

Courses in this program are listed under AMST.

The American Studies Program encourages and enables students to develop their understanding of the social structures and cultural values of the American experience (past, present, and future) from local, regional, and global perspectives.

The program provides a broad overview of key themes in the field and engages students in research, field experience, and community projects, using materials and methodologies from various disciplines. The core courses in the major emphasize learning through seminar experiences and independent projects. Students are also encouraged to examine their own backgrounds, assumptions and values as participants in American culture.

Career and Academic Paths

Through the combination of the learning experiences American studies provides, students are prepared for many vocations, including teaching, public history, law, public policy, social service, public relations and communications, as well as for graduate school in numerous fields.

Specially designed dual program possibilities for students include dual majors and minors with American Studies and Education, Media and Communication Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and Social Work.

In each of these instances, courses in the American studies program are directly applicable or complementary to work in the second field. Students may also elect to double major or combine a major and minor in other departments. 

Honors Program

A departmental honors program offers qualified senior students the opportunity for in-depth study. Close discussion between faculty and students and student research projects characterize this program. Information and application forms are available in the department office.

American Studies Council of Majors

American studies students are welcome to join the American Studies Council of Majors. This departmental club hosts informal student-faculty gatherings on issues related to American culture.

Programs

    Bachelor of ArtsNon-Degree

    Courses

      American Studies

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