School of Liberal Arts: American Studies
2008-2009 Academic Year
240
Office:
207 Norman Mayer
Phone:
504-865-5160
Fax:
504-862-8958
Program Administrator
Rachel Devlin, History (Director)
Affiliated faculty have homes in the following schools and departments:
Anthropology
Architecture
Art
Communication
English
History
Latin American Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
An interdisciplinary and interdepartmental major designed to provide an analysis
of American thought, culture, and society, past and present. The required and
elective courses balance flexibility and coherence as students select areas of
concentration from the broad categories of American arts, American thought and
experience, and American institutions and social practices. Students are also
encouraged to address specifically local, regional and comparativist dimensions of
these categories both through their coursework and through internships at local
institutions and museums.
A student majoring in American studies must take the seven required courses
listed below in addition to seven elective courses selected from a list of
appropriate courses grouped in three major categories and offered by participating
departments.
Normally, the elective courses are selected from above the 100 level and at least
three of the seven courses must be above the 300 level. With the exception of
American Studies 301 and 501, all of the required courses should normally be
completed by the junior year.
Students interested in American studies should consult with the director as soon
as possible so they can arrange their program with an eye to the American studies
requirements. The director also maintains an up-to-date list of acceptable
electives. Full descriptions of the courses are provided by the participating
departments.