DWU - Catalog

College of Arts and Humanities

American Studies (AMS)
American studies is an essentially interdisciplinary program. American studies involves the examination of American life and culture and offers an exposure to cultural, social, political and economic life. Our American studies program is interdisciplinary, rooted in American literature and history but not limited to these disciplines. Students may draw upon courses across the catalog, emphasizing an aspect of American life. For example, a student may wish to examine American art, English, music, theatre, media studies, American Indian history and culture, American legal system, American religions, the role of Spanish in American culture, political science, minority studies, women’s studies, and sport, health and fitness. The student will work with his or her adviser to select courses that satisfy the requirements of the program.

Careers for Students with an American Studies Major
Students with a major in American studies can pursue a variety of professional careers including law, education, business, publishing, government service, community organizing, advertising, journalism and independent writing. The breadth of American studies makes it an ideal minor for students pursuing a K-12 teaching position. It also prepares students for advanced degrees in English, history, ethnic studies, cultural studies and American studies.

Major

ENG 221	American Literature I	3
ENG 222	American Literature II	3
ENG 314	American Multiethnic Literature	3
ENG 424	American Novel	3
HIS 201	U.S. History I	3
HIS 202	U.S. History II	3
HIS 301	American Colonial History	3
HIS 302	America Since 1945	3
ENG 312 HIS 401	Advanced Expository Writing or Historical Research and Writing	3
LAN	Language Requirement (two semesters)	6
	Capstone Course (determined by adviser)	3
	Electives*	12
	Total	48

*Elective Courses for the Major:

BIO 115	Environmental Science	4
BIO 302	Ecology	4
CRJ 250	American Legal System	3
CTH 225/325	Introduction to Mass Communication	3
DRM 131	Introduction to Theatre	3
ECO 231	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
ENG 225	American Cinema	3
ENG 315	Women Writers	3
GDS 120	Art Appreciation	3
HIS 339	American Indian History to 1890	3
HIS 340	American Indian History since 1890	3
LAN 101	Beginning Spanish	3
LAN 102	Beginning Spanish II	3
POL 153	U.S. Government	3
POL 253	State and Local Government	3
POL/HIS 351	American Foreign Policy	3
POL 353	Congress and the Presidency	3
PSL 210	Introduction to Leadership and Public Service	3
REL 315	American Religions	3
SOC 227/427	Introduction to Women’s Studies	3
SOC 317	Minority Groups	3
SPM 241	Sport and Society	3

Electives for majors should be selected in consultation with adviser.

Concentration in Computers and MultiMedia

GDS 101	Introduction to Graphic Design	3
MTM 202	Computer Graphics	3
MTM 342	Flash Design	3
MTM 347	Video I	3

Concentration in Criminal Justice

CRJ 210	Introduction to Criminal Justice	3
CRJ 258	Criminology	3
CRJ 261	Criminal Law	3
CRJ 370	Trial and Evidence	3

Concentration in Entrepreneurial Leadership

BUS 381	Business Ethics and Social Policy	3
ENT 225	Entrepreneurial Leadership I	3
ENT 325	Entrepreneurial Leadership II	3
ENT 347	Finance for Entrepreneurs	3

Concentration in Human Services

HMS 225	Introduction to Human Services	3
HMS 270	Human Services Practice	3
HMS 320	Victimology	3
HMS 340	Policies and Legalities of Public Welfare	3

Concentration in Women’s Studies

ENG 315	Women Writers	3
PSY 381	Psychology of Personality	3
SOC 154	Marriage and the Family	3
SOC 427	Women’s Studies	3

Minor

ENG 221	American Literature I	3
ENG 222	American Literature II	3
HIS 201	U.S. History I	3
HIS 202	U.S. History II	3
	Area of Concentration Electives	12
	Total	24

Areas of Concentration
Select an area of concentration in consultation with your adviser. At least six elective credits of the 12 required must be upper level.

Concentration in American Arts

ART 340	Art History II	3
DRM 361	History of Theatre and Drama: Contemporary Theatre	3
DRM 369	World Culture in Film	3
MUS 312	Music History II	3

Concentration in American History

HIS 301	American Colonial History	3
HIS 302	America Since 1945	3
HIS 339	American Indian History to 1890	3
HIS 340	American Indian History Since 1890	3
HIS 499	Special Topics (any special topics course in American history)	3

Concentration in American Literature

ENG 313	Great Plains Literature	3
ENG 314	American Multiethnic Literature	3
ENG 424	The American Novel	3

Concentration in American Media

CTH 325	Introduction to Mass Communications	3
ENG 225	American Cinema	3
ENG 413	Mass Media Law	3

Concentration in American Political and Legal Culture

CRJ 250	American Legal System	3
POL 153	U.S. Government	3
POL 253	State and Local Government	3
POL/HIS 351	American Foreign Policy	3
POL 353	Congress and the Presidency	3

Concentration in American Society and Culture

ENG 314	American Multiethnic Literature	3
REL 315	American Religions	3
SOC 227	Introduction to Women’s Studies	3
SOC 317	Minority Groups	3