American
Studies Major
What
is American Studies?
Students in American Studies analyze
the cultural, historical, social, and political nature
of America. History, folklore, art, architecture, public
policy all contribute to American studies. Students in
this discipline understand the history of America, how
American development relates to technological advancement,
segregation and all other aspects of our history and culture.
A major in this discipline examines topics such as prejudice,
minorities and race and learns how to examine the American
way of life.
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What
Kinds of Students Major in American Studies?
Students majoring in American Studies
are open-minded and intellectually curious. The very nature
of their society will be analyzed and, therefore, students
must be receptive to analyzing and reacting to a wide
variety of opinions and positions. Public policy, societal
reactions and tendencies are taken into consideration.
Students must have a "thick skin" when it comes
to their own beliefs. Students need to differentiate their
views from those of others. American Studies majors have
interests in a diversity of fields, most especially sociology,
history and political science.
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What
Courses Do American Studies Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Cultural
Studies |
U.S.
Social History |
U.S.
Constitutional History |
U.S.
Media Culture |
Contemporary
American Culture |
Immigration |
History
of the American West |
American
Romanticism |
African
American History |
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What
Types of Positions do American Studies Majors Take After
College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Researcher |
Teacher |
Community
Relations Director |
Author/Societal
Commentator |
Lobbyist/Crusader |
Historic
Preservation Specialist |
Non-Profit
Organization Administrator |
Museum
Director/Staff |
Public
Administration |
Public
Relations Director |
Economic
and Social Planner |
Politician |
Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related
Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, check out some of the following
links. You might also want to check out web sites for
University or College departments offering this major.
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University
Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this major offer excellent
programs to consider.
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Two-Year
College Curriculums to Consider
| Suggest
to your two-year college advisor that their institution's
majors be included to show you their course requirements
and unique resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
