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American Studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines American culture
through the content and methodologies of multiple academic disciplines. Within
this interdisciplinary context, students will understand that American civilization
is a rich tapestry of numerous cultures marked by, among other features, an intersection
of race, ethnicity, gender, and class. These many cultures ideally participate
in a larger tradition that is guided by the principles of equality, freedom, and
democracy and that is embedded in the myths, rituals, and symbols which undergird
and animate American beliefs, values, institutions, and public forms of expression.
These principles and traditions are reflected in varying degrees in American history,
literature, religion, fine arts, film, social science, and philosophy. Students
will examine the American experience as depicted in these disciplines and as presented
in three interdisciplinary courses that are designed to foster interdisciplinary
perspectives and related modes of analysis.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies prepares students for various
careers that require a broad-based understanding of American culture, critical
thinking and writing, and interdisciplinary perspectives and applications. Such
careers include law, journalism, business, civil service, museum work, and graduate
school, just to name a few.
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