Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
Explore the major forces and ideas that have shaped the United States over centuries with the Bachelor of Arts in American Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. American Studies focuses on an understanding of the evolving values and politics of U.S. culture through a variety of lenses. Examine the cultural impact of domestic and foreign wars, political movements, popular art, and technological advancements throughout American history.
Learn to view—with a critical eye—the national myths and everyday realities that affect the lives and experiences of Americans. This 123-credit undergraduate degree program emphasizes reading, writing and analysis as it delves into themes and concepts central to American culture. These themes include
- architecture and city planning,
- class experience,
- gender paradigms,
- immigration and the immigrant experience,
- labor and mobility,
- media and popular culture,
- politics and political action,
- race and ethnicity,
- social change,
- technology, and
- war.
You’ll analyze the patterns and connections of U.S. life inside and outside of the classroom, through established internships, as well as hands-on learning opportunities at various cultural institutions in the Greater Philadelphia region.
American Studies majors often advance to graduate studies in the humanities and social sciences, law school or medical school. They pursue careers in business, library science, education, media, museums, nonprofit organizations and social services.
Minor in American Studies
The American Studies minor is particularly useful for students majoring in journalism, business, education and other fields served by creative thinking. To satisfy the requirements of the minor, students take six courses in American Studies. Learn more about the American Studies minor.
Classes & Curriculum
The American Studies Major can be completed over four years of full-time studies. Courses offered in this program include the following.
- American Military Culture
- American Place: Home, City, Region
- First Person America
- Literature and Political Change
- The American Woman: Visions and Revisions
- The Arts in America
- The Making of American Society: Melting Pot or Culture War?
- Technology and American Culture
Students in their final year must satisfy a capstone requirement with the Senior Seminar in American Studies course. Learn more about American Studies Major courses.
