Welcome to the Department of American Studies

In American Studies, students explore and study American culture and society in challenging and innovative ways.

Our interdisciplinary curriculum features courses taught by department faculty as well as cross-listed classes offered by faculty in anthropology, English, political science, history, and sociology.

Our graduates are just as diverse in their interests and pursue careers in everything from historical research and journalism to publishing, social service, and policy work.

Learn more about American Studies.

Want to join the major? Study abroad?

Contact Professor Annie Coleman, our director of undergraduate studies.

What our students are saying...

“Through my studies, I have gained both an appreciation for and critical understanding of American culture. The faculty members are brilliant and truly dedicated to engaging students in academic discourse inside and outside of the classroom.”

“I found the department’s class listings the most interesting of any major on campus. No other major includes classes on Jack Kerouac and Bob Dylan, pop culture approaches to race, and the history of vacationing (just to name some of my favorites). ... I worked closely with professors to apply for grants that allowed me to travel to Dublin to do comparative research for my senior thesis. Because of this experience, I plan on going to graduate school in American studies with the intention of eventually teaching.”