American Studies, B.A.
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Program Overview
As an interdisciplinary American studies major, you will explore the diverse cultural and social life of the United States. You’ll discover varied perspectives on what it means to be American, and you will see U.S. culture and the larger world in holistic ways and explore questions of social justice, rights, and equality. You’ll engage in close analyses of immigrant novels, slave narratives, and the Constitution; conduct field work in your own communities; interview your neighbors to collect oral histories; and gain a deep understanding of U.S. history, society, and the arts.
Major Details
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
Major Description
The American Dream, the land of opportunity, the self-made man or woman, the conflict between the values of a free society and a history marked by slavery and racial tensions: America—melting pot or mosaic? These are but a few of the themes that are the focus of American studies, an interdisciplinary field that explores the American experience through the study of history, literature, and the arts. Drawing from the theories and methods of literary criticism, historiography, anthropology, folklore, musicology, art history, and ethnic and gender studies, American studies seeks to integrate diverse materials relating to the history and culture of the United States
The American studies program leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Also offered is a 15-credit minor in American studies. A concentration in American studies is available for students majoring in early childhood education or childhood education in the School of Education. The American studies program also offers the Bachelor of Arts for social studies teacher (grades 7–12) in cooperation with the School of Education.
The unique interdisciplinary approach of the American studies program draws a wide constituency of students. Students who desire a connected vision of the country’s history, art, and culture often become American studies majors. For those Americanists who wish to major in history, English, or one of the ethnic studies fields, the recently revised American studies minor provides a broader cultural context to view their particular field of study.
The average class size is 20 students.
Major Requirements (39–42 Credits)
American Studies 1001 or 1010.
Five of the following: American Studies 3302, 3206, 3212, 3306, 3307, 3102, 3702, 3704, 3104, 3706, 3902, 3404, 3106, 3107W, 3108, 3402, 3304, 3310, 3406, 3708, 3709, 4002, 5003W.
Two of the following: History 3323, 3420, 3430, 3440, 3441, 3442, 3418, 3455, 3410, 3475, 3478, 3479, 3480, 3485, 4200.
Two of the following: English 3166, 3151, 3152, 3153, 3154, 3163, 4105, 4107.
Either a) or b):
- a) American Arts and Letters: three of the following: Africana Studies 3215, 3220, 3221, 3230; Art 3164; English 2402, 3164; Film 2124; Music 2101, 2104, 4940, 4941; Television, Radio & Emerging Media 1165; Puerto Rican and Latino Studies 4640; Theater 3504, 2502; Women’s and Gender Studies 3120; or other courses consistent with this track approved by the program director.
- b) American Society: three of the following: Africana Studies 3120, 3121, 3125; Anthropology 3130, 3135; Judaic Studies 3047, 3485; Political Science 3121, 3142, 3150, 3153, 3154, 3155, 3404, 3440; Puerto Rican and Latino Studies 1001, 3215, 3220, 3320W, 3325, 4645; Sociology 1102, 2601, 2602, 3206, 3607; Women’s and Gender Studies 3340, 3238 or other courses consistent with this track approved by the program director.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Interpret, discuss, and critically analyze cultural documents and expressive forms, including: material objects; still and moving images; practices and performances; and oral and written texts.
- Recognize the theories and methodologies of interdisciplinary study.
- Locate primary literary, historical and other cultural texts and documents in social, historical, and/or cultural context.
- Recognize the social, cultural, and ideological diversity of American culture, and the manner in which the intersecting dynamics of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and other axes of social difference produce dissimilar American experiences for individuals and groups.
- Write cogently and communicate their ideas effectively in a range of formats, written and oral.
Degree Maps
To help you pursue your studies in the most efficient manner, and to maximize your efforts to graduate in four years, Brooklyn College has created four-year degree maps for all its majors.
View degree maps for this major and others.
Contact
Yung-Yi Diana Pan, Program Director
3415 Boylan Hall
E: ypan@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5000 ext. 1776
Or contact:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: adminqry@brooklyn.cuny.edu
To make an appointment with an undergraduate admissions counselor, visit:
The Support You’ll Find
One point that can never be repeated enough is the importance of working with your professors and instructors. Even though there is plenty of good information to be found online, in each class you will learn from an expert in the field, who can answer your questions or direct you to the best resources available. The value of faculty cannot be overstated. Good connections with your instructors may be a deciding factor in landing your dream job.
Internships and Employers
Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the American studies B.A. program access to career opportunities at a wide variety of employers, including:
- Columbia University
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- New York City Department of City Planning
- New York City Department of Education
- New York City Economic Development Corporation
- New York Historical Society
- New York Public Library
- New York University
- Pace University
- St. John’s University
- Whitney Museum of Art
