American Studies Major
Major Description
Students who complete the major will have the opportunity to attain a historically grounded, theoretically informed, and globally oriented understanding of the U.S. as a cultural, social, and political formation. Students will also gain facility with interdisciplinary methodologies, working through challenging questions by applying diverse analytical structures.
Major Format Change
Please note, beginning 2025-2026, the American Studies major will have undergone revision. Students belonging to the classes of 2026-2028 will have the option to choose between the old major format and the new major format. Beginning with the class of 2029, only the new major format will be available.
Admission to the Major
To pursue the old major format (available only to classes 2026-2028):
There is no required prerequisite to declare the major following the old format. See the “Major Requirements” section for further information.
To pursue the new major format (available to classes 2026-2028, mandatory for classes 2029 and beyond):
The prerequisite for becoming an American Studies major is taking a gateway course by the conclusion of the sophomore year. Gateway courses originate in the American Studies Department and include a combination of First Year Seminars and themed Introduction to American Studies courses. See Wesmaps for current courses.
To declare the major (whether following the old or new format), students must complete the following steps during the second semester of their sophomore year:
1. Declare the major through Wesportal
2. Complete and return the major declaration form to the AMST Administrative Assistant
Major Requirements
Please see the caveat above under “Major Format Change” regarding the change in the American Studies major beginning 2025-2026.
To pursue the old major format (available only to classes 2026-2028):
The old major format consists of eleven courses (twelve with a two-semester senior thesis, which includes an additional tutorial credit) as follows: one themed Introduction to American Studies course; one themed Junior Colloquium; AMST200: Colonialism and Its Consequences; two hemispheric and/or transnational courses; four courses in a designated concentration; three electives; and a capstone. Among these course specifications, certain overlaps may occur to not exceed the eleven required courses. There are three choices for the capstone: (1) a 300-level seminar that originates in the American Studies Department, (2) a one-semester senior essay, or (3) a two-semester senior thesis.
To pursue the new major format (available to classes 2026-2028, mandatory for classes 2029 and beyond):
The new major format consists of ten courses (eleven with a two-semester senior thesis, which includes an additional tutorial credit) as follows: One gateway course; five courses at the 200- or 300-level that originate in the American Studies Department; three elective courses at the 200-or 300-level that may be taken outside of the department with the approval of the advisor; and a capstone. There are three options for the capstone: (1) a 300-level seminar that originates in the American Studies Department, (2) a one-semester senior essay, or (3) a two-semester senior thesis.
Please see the American Studies website for a list of all courses that originate in the American Studies Department.
AMST Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway | 1 | |
| 200- or 300-Level Courses Originating in American Studies | 5 | |
| 200- or 300-Level Elective Courses | 3 | |
| Senior Requirement | 1 | |
Honors
With departmental approval, students may complete a two-semester senior honors thesis. Students wishing to pursue a senior honors thesis should refer to the instructions on the department website regarding the application process, which occurs during the spring of the junior year. Students completing a thesis will enroll in a two-semester tutorial with a faculty advisor during their senior year. The thesis is typically 75 pages in length, reflects original research, and is evaluated for honors by two additional faculty members. The faculty advisor provides a letter grade for the two-semester tutorials.
Capstone Experience
There are three options for the capstone in the American Studies Major.
1. Students may take a 300-level course originating in the American Studies Department.
2. Students may complete a one-semester senior essay. The senior essay may be completed in the fall or spring of the senior year under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The student must secure a faculty advisor during the prior academic year. The essay is typically 25-30 pages in length, reflects original research, and is graded by the faculty advisor.
3. With departmental approval, students may complete a two-semester senior honors thesis. Students wishing to pursue a senior honors thesis should refer to the instructions on the department website regarding the application process, which occurs during the spring of the junior year. Students completing a thesis will enroll in a two-semester tutorial with a faculty advisor during their senior year. The thesis is typically 75 pages in length, reflects original research, and is evaluated for honors by two additional faculty members. The faculty advisor provides a letter grade for the two-semester tutorials.