What is American Studies?
American Studies at Notre Dame
The Department of American Studies has had a long presence at the University of Notre Dame. It developed in the early 1970s with a focus on communication arts and journalism, and the department's strong emphasis on writing can be traced to that period. In recent years, the Department has evolved into an interdisciplinary program with a core faculty of seven professors, over 140 American Studies majors, and an exciting and extensive body of courses. The John W. Gallivan Program in Journalism, Ethic, and Democracy, which offers a five-course minor (or concentration) for students interested in careers in print and broadcast journalism, is housed in the Department of American Studies.
At the University of Notre Dame, American Studies aims to offer uniquely interdisciplinary perspectives through a central focus on American cultures and societies, American identities, and American political cultures and institutions. A carefully structured curriculum introduces students to the major ideas and methods of the discipline, hones their critical understandings of these methods in advanced courses, and concludes with senior level seminars aimed at the highest level of critically engaged research and writing. To add stature and credibility to the major, a 6-credit Honors Track is offered, allowing exceptional students the opportunity to sharpen their critical abilities and improve their research techniques and writing skills with an Honors Thesis.
Beginning in Fall 2008, the Department of American Studies will follow a new curriculum. All students who declare American Studies as their major during and after Spring 2008 will follow this new curriculum. Students who have previously declared American Studies as their major have the option of pursuing the new curriculum or following the old curiculum until the date of their graduation.
