Bachelor of Arts in American Studies

American Studies is an interdisciplinary field emphasizing the integration of the humanities, fine arts, and social sciences in the study of American experiences, past and present. Our program places special emphasis on studying American cultures through course work, field experiences, and internships so that each student can apply academic knowledge to real-life circumstances. Our program highlights international perspectives, as well as the transnational context of American impacts and experiences, in coursework and in exchanges available to American Studies students. American Studies also highlights opportunities in the public sector, including historic preservation of buildings, neighborhoods, or landscapes. American Studies puts people, ideas, places, artifacts, images, and histories together in programs of study preparing students for specific career goals in K-12 education or work in the public section (e.g. museums, collections, historic sites, interpretive centers), or for further education in professional schools and graduate study. Through its core of American Studies courses, the program frames and develops each student’s individual research interests, and in consultation with an American Studies advisor, allows students to include courses from virtually any program and department at UW that sustain a student’s engagement with their particular focus. Most coursework outside American Studies draws on programs and departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. Individual programs of study are as varied as our students. Examples of possible concentrations (drawing on courses outside American Studies) include ethnic studies, sustainability, museum studies, philosophy of science, public health and social justice, environment and society, and the U.S. in international perspectives. Each student develops a concentration of study in consultation with their American Studies advisor with ample room to combine courses and interests into a coherent undergraduate education. Because American Studies is both an international field with scholars all over the world, and the U.S. has transnational significance, we strongly encourage students to take 2 years of language study to achieve meaningful access to skills as readers, scholars, and travelers, and consider participating in an international exchange. Some languages currently in demand by American Studies students include Spanish, Arabic, and Japanese.