BA in American Studies
Undergraduates interested in exploring American culture and society have multiple options for developing a flexible, interdisciplinary, student-centered curriculum. American Studies is a smaller major within our large university, offering a personalized and interdisciplinary plan of study that is customized for each student. While earning a BA or minor in American Studies, students develop the skills and foundational knowledge needed to pursue careers in journalism, education, public humanities, law, communications, business, and other fields.
Concentrators work with renowned and wide-ranging faculty, located across departments and schools, to tailor their own interdisciplinary course of study to meet individual interests and goals. Students may include transnational studies or highlight ethnic or indigenous studies. Scholarly undertakings might involve analyzing blues lyrics or interpreting beauty pageants, commenting on professional sports or deconstructing science fiction films; but no matter what the project or specific set of classes, students learn to evaluate evidence, structure arguments, and think critically about the world around them.
Requirements for a BA in American Studies
A major in American Studies requires the completion of 10 four-credit courses, approved by the program, with a grade of C or higher in each course. To complete this major, students must fulfill the following requirements:
All majors must take:
- CAS AM 200: Introduction to American Studies
- One CAS AM course at the 200 level or above
- Five courses on American topics chosen with the advice of the Director of Undergraduate Studies
- Two courses on the art, history, politics, or culture of another region or country
- A capstone course which includes original research
Requirements for a Minor in American Studies
A minor in American Studies offers undergraduates an opportunity to develop a structured, yet flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum in American culture and society. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all courses taken toward the minor.
The minor consists of six 4-credit courses, which include:
- CAS AM 200: Introduction to American Studies
- One CAS AM course at the 200 level or above
- Three courses from American Studies or from one or more of the following affiliated departments or programs: African American Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Earth & Environment, Economics, English, History, History of Art & Architecture, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, Sociology, and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. These courses must deal with some aspect of American society and must be chosen in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
- A capstone course which includes original research.
If you are interested in a BA or a Minor in American Studies, please contact Kim Sichel at ksichel@bu.edu.