At a Glance
I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
Sponsored by the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges, American studies is an interdisciplinary major that encourages students to think critically and creatively about culture, society, and politics in the United States. The American Studies Program is coordinated by an intercollegiate faculty whose aim is to introduce students to the complexity of the American experience. Majors take courses in a variety of disciplines, such as literature, history, ethnic studies, sociology, anthropology, political science, music, media studies, and the visual arts. In addition, majors take multidisciplinary courses that use materials from different disciplines to explore particular issues in American life.
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
American Studies 103 is a prerequisite course that is team-taught by members of the intercollegiate faculty during spring semester to introduce the themes, concerns, and methodologies of American studies. This is an especially good introduction to American studies as a field.
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
In most cases, students take American Studies 103 during their first or sophomore year. Most students take American Studies 180, the methods seminar, during their junior year. All American studies majors take American Studies 190, the senior thesis seminar, during the fall of their senior year. All the other courses can be taken in any order.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)?
Yes. American studies majors frequently double major.
Course Catalog
Edward A. White Award
The Edward A. White Award in American Studies is given annually to a senior who has done outstanding work in the study of the United States and its history, culture, or politics as evidenced in her senior thesis. To see a list of past winners and their thesis topics, click here.