|
What is American Studies?
American Studies is an interdisciplinary field which concentrates on the study of
the Americas, with historical emphasis upon the United States. The goal is to analyze
the social, historical, material, ideological, and aesthetic aspects of American culture,
both past and present. American Studies traditionally incorporates knowledge from
the fields of history, literature, political science, economics, sociology, anthropology,
and the fine arts, among others.
Disciplines dedicated to the study of specific American communities, such as Black
Studies, Latin American and Latinx Studies, and Native American and Indigenous Studies
are considered to be both included in and independent of the broader discipline. At
Kennesaw State University, the American Studies program is part of the Interdisciplinary
Studies Department (ISD), which includes all of these fields and more. ISD is home
to ten programs: American Studies, Black Studies, Gender and Women's Studies, Interdisciplinary
Studies, Latin American and Latinx Studies, Leadership Studies, Native American and
Indigenous Studies, Peace Studies, Religious Studies, and Science and Technology Studies.
Faculty from each of these fields--as well as affiliate faculty from Art History,
English, Film, History, Sociology & Criminal Justice, and Theatre & Performance Studies--teach
in the American Studies program, mentor students, and advise capstone projects for
students enrolled in the M.A. in American Studies.
The American Studies Program at KSU is a member of the American Studies Association
(ASA) and the Southeastern American Studies Association (SASA).
|
|
Careers in American Studies
Students who graduate with a degree in American Studies have a knowledge of America’s history, an understanding of its politics, an insight into its literature, and a familiarity with its culture and foreign policy that prepare them for careers in a variety of fields. They develop in-demand skills such as flexibility of thought, critical evaluation, excellent communication and organization, clear and logical thinking, and cultural awareness.
Students who enroll in American Studies courses develop key research and analytical skills as they learn to view the United States and the Americas within larger world systems, taking into account how American cultures have been continually reshaped by the movement of people, commerce, and ideas. Our graduates go on to work in a variety of fields but are especially drawn toward jobs in education, museums, nonprofits, human relations, and community engagement. For instance, middle and high school teachers of English, History, and Social Studies earn an in-field upgrade upon completion of the degree, while other MAST students go on to enter Ph.D programs in fields ranging from Afro-American Studies (University of Massachusetts Amherst) to Sociology (Georgia State University) to Anthropology (University of South Florida).
|
|
