American Studies (Major)
American Studies offers interdisciplinary perspectives on American cultures and societies, American identities, and American political cultures and institutions. The curriculum introduces American Studies students to the major ideas and methods of the discipline, hones critical understandings of these methods in advanced courses, and ends with senior level seminars aimed at the highest level of research. To add stature and credibility to the major, a 6-credit Senior Thesis is offered, allowing exceptional students the opportunity to sharpen their critical abilities and improve their research techniques by developing a year-long project.
Students are introduced to the themes and issues dominant in American Studies (AMST) in Introduction to American Studies, taken at the freshman or sophomore level and intended as a gateway to the major. This required course, which explores key concepts, texts, and methods in American Studies and familiarizes students with the discipline’s working vocabulary and practices, is offered in the fall semester, and should be taken before students take AMST courses at the 30000 level. It may be taken concurrently with a 30000-level course in AMST, pending approval of a faculty advisor in American Studies.
The introductory course is followed by eight different upper-level courses in AMST, each of which continues to explore concepts, texts, and methods particular to the discipline of American Studies.
Of the eight upper-level courses, up to two “outside” courses may be taken from different departments, either on campus or through an off-campus Notre Dame program, as long as they are cross-listed with American Studies or otherwise approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Finally, AMST majors complete their coursework with the Senior Seminar in American Studies, a required 40000-level course which serves as a capstone to the major. Requirements include seminar-style discussions and a significant research project.
Students must complete the general requirements of the College of Arts and Letters and 30 credit hours in American Studies.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMST 10100/20100 | Introduction to American Studies | 3 |
| AMST Upper Level Courses | 24 | |
| Senior Seminar | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Internships
Students are encouraged to pursue internships over the summer and during the semester that enhance and apply their coursework in American Studies. If the internship is not paid and relates to American Studies, students may earn elective credit for that experience, upon approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Study Abroad
Upon approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, students may take up to 6 credit hours of course work abroad towards the major
American Studies Senior Thesis
A senior thesis is a year-long research project developed with a faculty advisor that attempts to make a contribution to the field of American Studies. The final project may take on a variety of forms, including a scholarly paper, narrative nonfiction essay, journalistic article or series of articles, documentary film, or museum exhibition. The opportunity to write a Senior Thesis in American Studies is open to any major with a GPA of 3.5 or higher within the major as of January of their junior year. In exceptional circumstances students with a GPA below 3.5 may apply. Writing a thesis is a chance to do original research and explore a topic of your choice, to develop a deeper relationship with a faculty member, and to put what you’ve learned as an American Studies major into practice. It is also a significant commitment. Students need one if they want to earn departmental honors in American Studies, but they do not need one to satisfy the requirements for the major. Students writing a senior thesis must register for 6 credit hours in addition to the 30 required for the major, distributed as noted below. Note: Students writing a senior thesis may substitute the senior seminar requirement with one additional 30000-level course.
Students choosing to write a senior thesis will submit a formal application to the department by April 1 of their junior year, which requires:
- An idea for the project, including central research questions, sources and research that will answer those questions, the student’s method or approach, and the shape of the final project
- A primary advisor who has agreed to help with the project. The primary advisor must be a full-time faculty member in AMST and will be the instructor of record for the thesis project
- Information on grants applied for and won
Application forms and additional information are available through the departmental website.
Once accepted, students should confirm their plans with their primary advisor and be sure to register in the fall for the The Senior Thesis: Theory, Method, and Composition (AMST 47909). This course is limited to thesis writers, will meet during a regular class time, and is required. It is designed to help students develop their thesis projects, conduct research, and think about how their work relates to the field of American Studies. Students will work closely with the instructor and their primary advisor, and less formally with a secondary reader of their choice. Students writing a thesis and thus enrolled in The Senior Thesis: Theory, Method, and Composition (AMST 47909) have the option to take, as their tenth class required for the major, either a senior seminar or an additional “inside” 30000-level class. In the spring students will register for Senior Thesis Writing (AMST 47910). This course is independent work with the primary advisor; students will complete their research and writing, as well as plan and give presentations of their work. The final senior thesis project is due in early April.
Thesis writers are expected to fulfill all the requirements for the major and remain in good academic standing. Those who fail to show good progress or maintain a satisfactory GPA will be asked to abandon their thesis project. Theses will be evaluated by both the primary advisor and secondary reader. Students will present their projects to students and faculty in April at the departmental celebration of research; presentation at the Notre Dame Undergraduate Scholar’s Conference is encouraged. Every thesis will be honored at the departmental commencement event and recognized on the departmental website.
Departmental Honors
Honors in American Studies will be conferred upon graduating seniors who complete the thesis program.
All students receiving honors will be recognized at the departmental commencement ceremony. For more information see the departmental website or contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.