Major: American Studies
As a young and incredibly diverse nation, the United States is considered by many to be a work in progress. American studies majors explore the colorful canvas of the United States, often asking what it means to be American.
If you choose this major, you’ll study everything from the novels, music, and film of the United States to its politics, economy, and history. You’ll even investigate primary sources such as the letters of a Civil War soldier or the oral histories of the 1965 Watts riots in Los Angeles.
American studies majors look closely at the United States and its people from a variety of angles.
“American studies truly allows me to explore every facet of American culture in which I’ve ever had an interest, pushing me to draw connections and parallels that I may not have seen before.”
Cody, junior, English and American studies,
Princeton University
Are You Ready To...?
- Work closely with an advisor to design your major
- Study film and video footage of civil rights marches
- Listen to archival tapes of American folk music
- Write a paper on what a certain popular TV show tells us about the American character
- Research your family history or the history of your hometown
- Educate schoolchildren as part of an internship at a local historical site
- Research a senior thesis on, for example, the growth of political parties in the United States
It Helps to Be...
Inventive. Since American studies is an interdisciplinary major, you can be creative in deciding on your focus.
College Checklist
- How many of the professors teach only in the American studies program?
- What are the program’s core requirements?
- Does the program offer a range of classes in your area of interest, such as Latino and Latina studies or government?
- Are professors readily available for advice on course selection and project planning?
- Does the department sponsor cultural events such as lectures and readings?
- What opportunities will you have to study abroad?
Did You Know?
- Traveling to other countries will actually deepen your understanding of American culture. You'll learn firsthand how others see Americans and how America is unlike other places.
Course Spotlight
As part of your American studies major, you may be required to write a thesis (in-depth research paper) in your senior year on a topic of your choosing. For example, you might research the portrayal of Native American women in eighteenth-century postcards.
However, you won’t go through the research and writing process on your own. Many programs offer a thesis seminar, a small class in which you and your fellow students comment on each other’s work. They’ll be there for you when you need some help finding sources, outlining your paper, or pinpointing your ideas.
Explore this major in more depth on MyRoad™