Wells Academics - Majors and Minors

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American Studies

American Studies is an interdisciplinary major which examines from many perspectives our national cultures and draws from the arts, the humanities, the life sciences, and the social sciences. Beginning with the issues of whether we can define what it means to be “American.” American Studies examines such phenomena as the development of cultural, national and personal identities and the tensions among them; immigration and assimilation; the impact of industry on the lives of every American; the distinction between “high” and “low” culture; America’s rise to world power — in short, the diversity of America’s experiences. Through their study of American issues, students develop the skills of synthesis as they integrate material from multiple disciplines, the ability to explain and to judge complicated cause/effect relationships as they examine the multiplicity of American cultures, and a proficiency in comprehending current political, social, and cultural dilemmas as they investigate the connections between ourselves and the American cultures of the past. Above all, a major in American Studies enables students to become keen and critical observers, regardless of the career they ultimately choose.

Linda Lohn
Chair, American Studies

The total number of courses required for the major is 14 (44-45 semester hours). At least six of these courses must be at the 300-level or above.

MEET OUR FACULTY

CONCENTRATIONS

American Cultures: Students select courses from many different disciplines, like art, history, economics, philosophy, politics and literature, to explore the origins of American cultures. They question American identity and its expressions, the relationships of power, money and work, and the challenges of diversity.

African American Studies: By studying African-American literature and history, an understanding of African American culture begins to emerge. Students then utilize this African-American perspective and apply it to broader issues in American Studies.

INTERNSHIPS AND STUDY ABROAD

Depending on career and academic interests, many different internship possibilities are available to American Studies majors including those with newspapers, museums and community organizations. Wells alumnae who are established leaders in their fields often provide internships opportunities for current students. The following is a sample of internships in the American Studies area held by Wells students in recent years:

• African American Institute, New York City
• New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, New York City
• Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
• Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless, MA.
• African-American newspapers, Baltimore, MD

Why not examine American culture through German or British eyes? How about exploring the experience of native Africans in Dakar? Wells makes it possible. American Studies majors can pursue programs around the world. Check out our off-campus study programs!

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Want to better understand your own identity as well as those of the cultures you study? Want to find out more about the personal and political struggles individuals are experiencing today? Wells offers a number of organizations
dedicated to increasing your cultural awareness and affords opportunity to share
what you have learned.
Check out:

American Indians in Science and
Engineering Society (AISES)
United Women of Color
Collegiate (student government)
Community Court
The Onyx (student newspaper)
Model United Nations

L ast updated 10/11/2005

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