American Studies

The College of Saint Rose major in American studies is a unique program designed for serious students with a broad range of interests. Rooted in the fields of literary study and history, the program’s flexibility allows students to focus within an area of concentration and take classes in several academic disciplines, while gaining a broad knowledge of American cultures and intellectual traditions in all of their diversity.

The American studies major is an exciting course of study for students from a variety of backgrounds who share an interest in American societal issues. With an emphasis on understanding the United State from many perspectives, the program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work with the issues facing American society and its communities of the future.

The Saint Rose program in American studies is ideal for students who:

• want to learn more about American cultures and aesthetics;
• wish to explore questions of democratic aspiration and structural justice;
• desire intercultural and interdisciplinary competency;
• plan to pursue one of the many careers in which in-depth knowledge of American diversity is critical.
  

THE SAINT ROSE DIFFERENCE
American studies majors begin the program with an introductory seminar that focuses on theories about American life and cultures combined with real-life problem solving opportunities. They complete the program with an internship and coordinating seminar, plus an additional research-oriented seminar or course. Throughout their studies students are mentored closely by faculty members, often in small, seminar-style classes.

American studies majors choose to focus within one of the following three concentrations:

• The American Aesthetics and Cultural Practices concentration provides students with the interdisciplinary study that will prepare them for careers in arts and cultural organizations within the United States;
• The Diversity and Social Justice concentration prepares students to understand the complexity of diversity and social justice issues within the United States, in order to contribute toward a more equitable and just American society;
• The African American Studies concentration focuses on an understanding of the significance of African American culture within America, and the construct of race in U.S. society.
  

FIELD EXPERIENCE
Each American studies student completes the program by enrolling in the Field Experience Seminar, designed to enable the student to explore his or her interests in post-college career paths by offering a guided internship experience.

FACILITIES
American Studies classes are often conducted in seminar-style classrooms. Frequently these rooms are “smart” classrooms, which include a teacher workstation that has projection capabilities and Internet access, allowing professors and students to give multimedia presentations. Students also have access to 19 computer labs, including the 24-hour-access computer lab in Lima Hall. In addition, the College’s Neil Hellman Library is an excellent resource for student research. Staffed by expert and helpful reference librarians, the Library offers excellent electronic resources, efficient and accessible inter-library loan services, and a solid collection of materials for study.

CAREERS
Graduates will be prepared for careers in not-for-profit social and cultural agencies, as well as in journalism; government; and museum, library, and archives administration.

GRADUATE STUDY
Any of the American studies concentrations will provide ideal preparation for graduate study in many fields, including law, arts administration, public policy, and journalism. American studies majors who are exceptional students may also participate in the 3+3 Dual Degree Program in Law, in conjunction with Albany Law School, which facilitates the completion of both a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor (J.D.) degree in six years.

MODERATE PRICE AND
AGGRESSIVE FINANCIAL AID
The College of Saint Rose has one of the lowest tuitions of all New York state private colleges, and we offer a variety of scholarships, including multicultural and academic talent. More than 90 percent of our students receive several forms of financial aid.

FACULTY
The American Studies steering committee is comprised of the following faculty members:

Leslie Lewis,
associate professor of English and director of American studies program

Kathleen Crowley-Long,
professor of psychology

Jeff Marlett,
assistant professor of religious studies

Karen McGrath,
assistant professor of communications

Esther Murillo-Williams,
associate professor of Spanish

Janet Spitz,
associate professor of business

Simona Sung,
associate professor of business

Carl Swidorski,
professor of political science

Barbara Ungar,
associate professor of English

Bill Washburn,
associate professor of education

Bridgett Williams-Searle,
assistant professor of history