American Studies

Sponsored by the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges, American Studies is a multidisciplinary major that encourages students to think critically and creatively about American culture. The American Studies Program is coordinated by an intercollegiate faculty whose aim is to introduce students to the complexity of the American experience.

Majors take courses in a variety of disciplines such as literature, history, sociology, anthropology, government, music, and the visual arts. In addition, majors take multidisciplinary courses that use materials from different disciplines to explore a particular issue in American life. The interdisciplinary approach prepares majors for many career choices, including law, library science, journalism, business, and museum curatorship.

An essential component of the American Studies curriculum is AMST 103 JT - Introduction to American Cultures , a required introductory course that is team-taught by members of the intercollegiate faculty in the spring semester. This course is an excellent introduction to the themes, concerns, and methodologies of American Studies. Majors should meet with a member of the intercollegiate faculty to plan their individual program of courses in the sophomore year. Students interested in a number of disciplines are encouraged to consider a dual or double major which combines American Studies with disciplines such as history, literature, religion, philosophy, government, and international relations.

Primary Contact: Professor Diana Selig

American Studies website

Elective courses listed below represent a sample of appropriate courses rather than an exhaustive list.