American Studies

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in American Studies

• AMST101 Introduction to American Studies (3)
• HIS100 Survey of American History (4)

One course from each of the following categories:

Literature (4)

• ENG265 Studies in American Literature
• ENG300 Seminar in Major Literary Figures (when topic is appropriate)
• ENG310 Seminar in a Literary Tradition (when topic is appropriate)
• ENG315 Seminar in Literature and Culture Context

Philosophy and Theology (4)

• THEO203 Catholic Social Teaching and Practice
• THEO250 Introduction to Christian Ethics
• THEO260 Religion in America
• THEO285/385 Ethics and Justice
• PHIL213 American Philosophy
• PHIL233/333 Ethics in Business and Society

Sociology (4)  

• SOC200 Cultural Diversity
• SOC201 Social Problems
• SOC251 Sociology of the Family
• SOC281 Sociology of Aging
• SOC311 Criminology
• SOC300 Race, Class and Gender                                                       
• SOC321 Urban Sociology                            

 

Aesthetics (3)

• ART245 Insights into Culture Through Visual Art: Selected Topics (when topic is appropriate)
• ENG228 American Film
• MUS151 The Broadway Musical
• MUS233 American Music

 

History (4) 

• HIS215 American Economic History
• HIS230 History with Film
• HIS235 African-American History
• HIS245 American Women’s History
• HIS250 Special Topics in American History
• HIS300 Readings in American History

 

Politics (4)

• 105 American Politics and Government 
• 221 Law and Contemporary American Society
• 361 The American Presidency
• 371 American Constitutional Law

 

Elective (3)

With the approval of their advisor, students may take as an American Studies Elective one of the courses listed above that they otherwise have not taken, or one of the following: ED 145 Issues in American Education,  AMST 491 Independent Study, AMST 495 Internship and apply them to the major.

Total:  35 credits

Students must complete, in addition to the Capstone Seminar, at least two 300/400-level courses among the courses they take to complete the American Studies major.

*American Studies students can apply a maximum of three courses in any single subject toward completion of this major.

Capstone Requirement:

The Capstone Requirement for the American Studies major consists of writing a substantial research paper, involving the use of primary-source material, on an approved topic pertinent to this interdisciplinary field. This paper will be completed by students as part of the requirements of AMST 467 American Studies Capstone Seminar. Students enrolled in this Seminar will verbally present their completed papers to classmates and professors who teach in the American Studies Program.

Total 17-18

*In consultation with the Program Chairperson, American Studies minors select nine (9) credits of  elective courses, with at least one being a 300-level offering.

Course Listing

Course level: 100 | 200 | 400

AMST-101

Intro to American Studies*

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces students to a diverse range of perspectives on American Studies. Using a variety of source material, students examine American culture over time and become acquainted with the vitality and value of the interdisciplinary approach central to American Studies. Satisfies Cluster 2 General Education requirement. (Fall)

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AMST-273

American Culture Studies*

Credit Hours: 3

This course focuses on the peopling of the United States from the earliest times to the present, with examination of America's diverse immigration history and the common values to which Americans ascribe. The impact of immigration, slavery, nativism, and multiculturalism for today and the future will be considered. Experiences of Native Americans, enslaved Africans, women, Latinos/Latinas and other ethnic groups as well as on the role of religion in American society will be explored. Students have the opportunity to prepare a family "roots" project, and to identify and discuss U.S. Constitutional provisions relating to diversity, including individual and group rights. New Jersey examples will be highlighted to demonstrate how it can be seen as a "laboratory" for the study of American history, institutions, values, culture, and issues. An "applied research project" will be developed by each student utilizing the knowledge and insights gained in the course as related to the students' academic and/or professional major; those in teacher education will develop a curriculum unit as their applied project, incorporating state and national standards for the social studies. Satisfies Cluster 2 General Education requirement.

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AMST-467

American Studies Capstone Experience

Credit Hours: 3

This course consists of intensive readings, research, discussion, and analysis of a selected topic, theme, or time period, through which students extend and deepen their understanding of American life and culture. Majors amplify and coordinate the interdisciplinary perspectives they have acquired from prior coursework. In addition, students complete a substantial research paper, using primary source material, on an approved topic.

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AMST-491

Independent Study

Credit Hours: 3

An in-depth, faculty-supervised investigation of an appropriate interdisciplinary topic of special interest to the student. Variable Credit, students can register 1-4 credits.

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AMST-495

Internship

Credit Hours: 3

In consultation with a faculty supervisor, the student selects an appropriate placement site and completes an internship project. The student must demonstrate that the project will provide experience and perspectives fostering a broad awareness and appreciation of American society and culture.

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American Studies majors often enroll in internships as part of their Program of Study.  Nearby museums, government offices, and corporate settings are among the most popular sites in which students have completed recent internships.