+ American Culture Studies

101 East Hall, 419-372-8886

An interdisciplinary program dedicated to the holistic study of American culture, society and institutions, American culture studies offers students individualized programs that focus on the American experience. Courses help students to develop the skills appropriate for the study and appreciation of American culture in all of its diversity. The program enables students to integrate the substance of other disciplines into coherent patterns reflecting the complexity of American life and our national heritage.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in American cultural studies are expected to:

• Think in an interdisciplinary way, drawing on holistic, critical and connective models of analysis;
  
• Communicate orally and in writing about the cultural contexts of human expression and behavior;
  
• Discuss the multicultural and pluralistic nature of American culture, and develop an appreciation for the diversity of our national cultural heritage;
  
• Investigate relationships between theories of culture and various cultural traditions.
  

Major, Bachelor of Arts—minor required (36 hours)

Foundational Core

• ACS 200 and 250 or 252 (6)
• HIST 205, 206 (6)
• ENG 268 or 310 (3)

Upper Division Core

• Advanced upper division coursework: Two classes of ACS 300/400 level coursework, i.e., ACS 300, 338, 400 (6 hours)
• Cognate disciplinary concentration: Three classes of upper division coursework (300/400 level courses) in one of the following disciplines: English, Ethnic Studies, Theatre and Film, History, Political Science, Popular Culture, Sociology, or Women's Studies. The courses for the cognate disciplinary concentration are chosen by the student in consultation with the ACS undergraduate advisor (9 hours).

Senior Capstone Sequence

• ACS 405 (3). This course is taken during the Fall semester of the student's Senior year.
• Senior Capstone Tutorial Project: ACS 499 (3). This course is taken during the Spring semester of the student's Senior year, following successful completion of ACS 405. Students prepare their senior capstone project under the supervision of an ACS joint-appointment or affiliated faculty member.

Minor (21 hours)

• ACS 200 and 250 or 252 (6)
• HIST 205, 206 (6)
• ENG 268 or 310 (3)
• Two classes of ACS 300/400 level coursework, i.e., ACS 300, 338, 400 (6)