Jul 02, 2022  
2022-2023 University Catalog 
2022-2023 University Catalog

American Studies, B.A.


(120 UNITS)

The Bachelor of Arts in American Studies is an interdisciplinary study of the United States in the past and present. Courses focus on the cultural history of topics such as: race, immigra1on and ethnicity; gender, sexuality and body poli1cs; popular culture, technology and the arts; work and leisure; the environment, communi1es and region; sports and mental health; film, literature and creative work; childhood and adolescence; and crime and violence. The program develops analytical thinking, reading and writing skills and fosters a criitical engagement with the past and present, preparing students for careers in business, communications, government service, law, social services and teaching. An American Studies B.A. is an ideal double major and complements such  majors in Communications, Ethnic Studies, History, Human Services, Music, Psychology and Sociology.


Upper-Division Writing Requirement (3 units)

Electives (24 upper-division units)

Elective coursework must be approved by the major adviser following either Plan A or B:

Plan A

Students may take all eight upper-division electives in American Studies courses or they may include up to four upper-division courses from no more than two other departments, such as African American Studies, Anthropology, Asian American Studies, Chicana/o Studies, Communications, Criminal Justice, English, History, Geography, Political Science, Psychology or Sociology.

Plan B

Students may choose upper-division courses from different disciplines, pursuing a particular theme or subject, such as law and society, gender roles, the visual arts, ethnicity, urbanization, regionalism, the child and the family, or popular culture.

Total (120 units)
