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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.
The inventive, interdisciplinary nature of American studies open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. American studies graduates are creative, critical thinkers who go on to become writers, teachers, policy makers, lawyers, arts and museum administrators, editors, and activists. Surveys and research show that the key skills we teach—writing, communication, research, and critical problem-solving—are the ones employers are looking for, and will prepare you for long-term career success.
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.
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.
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):
Students will be able to:
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.
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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.
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:
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