HEGIS Number: 0313
Curriculum Code: U0304
American Studies is an interdisciplinary liberal arts program. Courses in the program examine the history and culture of the United States, social and economic structure, forms of cultural expression, and political and legal institutions. These courses integrate history, sociology, literature, and media studies and are designed to encourage the development of critical thinking, debate and clear expository writing. American Studies courses emphasize the diversity of American Society and the experiences of ordinary life, paying particular attention to ethnic, gender, and other forms of social inequality. Courses examine institutions of power and control and the ways people attempt to change society.
Work in the program is designed to combine a liberal arts education with career preparation. The program also offers students the ability to develop a field of study in the following areas: U.S. History and Society, Media Studies, African American History and Culture and Women’s Studies. Through its internship program, the major provides students with broad, flexible training appropriate to a wide array of jobs. The interdisciplinary course of study offered in the major provides useful preparation for graduate school and careers in education, media, law, government, and social work. The department expects that students, regardless of their career goals, will graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to take constructive action for social change in their communities and workplaces, nation and the world.
Students in other majors might also be interested in related Minors in African American Studies & the African Diaspora, Environmental Studies, Media & Communications, Media Design, and Women’s & Gender Studies, among others. See the Minor section of the Catalog for details. The department also offers three micro-credentials in Fundamentals of Non-Fiction Video Production, Fundamentals of Television News Production, and Advanced TV/Video Production. Details can be found in the Micro-credentials section of the Catalog.
Evening Students
American Studies offers a limited selection of courses in the evening. Completion of a major in American Studies requires daytime course attendance.
Transfer Students
An American Studies major can be completed in a two year period with appropriate planning. With an advisor’s approval, a maximum of four courses will be accepted in transfer toward the 11 courses required for the major. Transfer students should note that AS 2112 -AS 2122 , The American People I-II are prerequisites for enrollment in 5000-level American Studies courses, as well as for a number of other American Studies courses.
It is essential that these courses be taken in a transfer student’s first year at Old Westbury if the expectation of completing the program in two years is to be met. These courses must be taken prior to the senior year.
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