Dec 11, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

American Studies, B.A.


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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, and Sexuality 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.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in American Studies


(120 credits, 90 credits in liberal arts)

Liberal Education Curriculum


Refer to the Liberal Education Curriculum Bulletin for specific requirements.

Major Requirements 11 courses


AS 2112-AS 2122 - The American People I-II: 8 Credits


Note: These are prerequisites for enrollment in 5000-level American Studies courses. American Studies majors should complete these two courses as early as possible.

AS 3100 American Studies Seminar: 4 Credits


American Studies Elective Courses: 24 Credits


Students may choose, from the following list, sixcourses. Four of these courses must be at the 3000level or above. Two of these four courses mustbe at the 4000 level. American Studies studentscannot receive credit towards the major for mediaproduction courses.

In-Depth Experience (encouraged): 4 Credits


  • Credits: 4‑12
  • American Studies majors are encouraged to plan an internship, in consultation with a faculty advisor, with one of the College’s many community, government and/or non- profit partners. Students who prefer may choose instead to complete an independent study with major research paper, or an additional 4000-level American Studies elective course.

General Electives


In consultation with Academic Advisor

Program Policies


  1. All American Studies majors should see an advisor at least once a semester.
  2. Only one grade of D+, D or D- will be accepted toward the major. Students must request this inclusion from the Chair of American Studies.
  3. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be achieved in the major.
  4. Only two 1000 or 2000 level courses, beyond AS 2112 - American People l / AS 2122 - American People II , will be counted toward the major.
  5. In order to qualify for independent study, students must have sophomore standing and a B (3.0) average. Only 4 credits of independent study will be counted toward the major.
  6. Only 4 credits of internship can be applied toward the major.
  7. No media production courses (noted in the course descriptions in the catalog by asterisk*) can be counted toward the American Studies major, but they may be used as free electives.
  8. Only four courses can be transferred from another college or university and accepted for credit toward the major.
  9. In general, 4000 and 5000 level courses will NOT be taught during the summer sessions.
  10. All students in their senior year should communicate with the department chair to make sure that they are on track for graduation.

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