Program Requirements
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (42 credits)
•Amercian Studies Requires two semesters of the same foreign language, or demonstrated native competency.
•American Studies reccomends that students take SOC 112 and POS 111 as part of their Liberal Education requirements and highly recommends that students choose a minor.
•Students must earn a minimum grade of C in every core and concentration required in the major
Core Courses 16 credits
AMS 250 Introduction to American Studies: Theory and Practice 4
AMS 251 Urban American Studies 4
AMS 494 Field Experience Seminar 4
AMS 498 or Senior Seminar 4
AMS 490 Directed Readings and Research in American Studies 4
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An area of concentration selected form the following:
A minimum of 18 credits in one of the following concentrations and a minimum of three credits in each of the other two concentrations, for a total of 26 credits. A minimum of three concentration courses must be interdisciplinary AMS courses. A minimum of three concentration courses must be at the 300-level or above.
1. American Aesthetics and Cultural Practices
AMS 210Topics in American Aesthetics and Cultural Practices 3 or 4 credits
Additional elective courses in art, communications, drama, literature, music, philosophy, religious studies, sociology, or women's studies chosen in consultation with advisor.
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2. Diversity and Social Justice
AMS 220 Topics in Diversity and Social Justice 3 or 4 credits
(may be repeated with different topics)
Additional elective courses in biology, business, communications, criminal justice, environmental affairs, history, literature, philosophy, political science, religious studies, sociology, or women's studies chosen in consultation with advisor.
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3. Critical Race Studies
AMS 230 Topics in Critical Race Studies 3 or 4 credits
(may be repeated with different topics)
Additional electives in communications, history, literature, political science, sociology, or women's studies chosen in consultation with advisor.
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.
Further Information
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.