American Studies
Overview
A concentration
American Studies provides an examination of the people and cultures of the United States through the lens of literary and cultural studies, history, political science, and economics.
The American Studies concentration at Bryant is an interdisciplinary course of study that encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of the United States’ place in the changing world. In the American Studies program, you’ll use a range of materials, methodologies, and disciplinary perspectives to explore topics ranging from politics to popular culture.
You will analyze a wide variety of American cultural and social artifacts in order to contribute to a richer understanding of the country and synthesize diverse scholarly approaches and theories in the study of the United States and its place in the world. You’ll demonstrate understanding of the significance of United States culture and politics in other parts of the globe, and communicate research findings and interpretations clearly and effectively.
Future careers, post-grad opportunities
A concentration in American Studies enables you to develop the competence to reason logically and analytically about a wide range of problems that apply to the American culture – and cultures interacting with America – in business, government, and global markets. You will find that complementing your major course of study with this concentration adds to your value as a prospective employee or service provider in a wide variety of fields.
Requirements
For an 18-credit concentration:
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Introduction to American Studies (LCS/HIS282) |
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One (1) 300- or 400-level U.S. History course |
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One (1) American-focused Political Science or Economics course |
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One (1) American-focused Literary and Cultural Studies course |
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One (1) American-focused Literary and Cultural Studies, History and Social Sciences, or Economics elective |
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American Studies Capstone (LCS/HIS497) – one (1) directed-study senior project conducted with an instructor in the Literary and Cultural Studies or History department |
To learn more, please contact:
Bradford Martin, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of History and Social Sciences
bmartin@bryant.edu
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Kelly McDonough '12
Working at: Cigna Insurance
As part of an American Studies class with Professor Brad Martin, McDonough learned about American history and applied the scholarly knowledge she gained to her own family history. “I interviewed three generations of family members, which enabled me to trace cultural, societal, and personal events – and their impacts and outcomes,” she says.
McDonough’s impressive résumé includes internships, study abroad, business consulting projects, leadership/volunteer experiences, and awards. She also notes that she is an avid runner and an excellent storyteller.
McDonough has joined the Cigna Sales Academy in Manhattan.
