American Studies

Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in American Studies

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change.

There are two primary goals of the American Studies major. The first goal is to help students acquire an understanding of American thought, institutions, and culture, utilizing a historical and cultural approach. A knowledge of history, society, politics, and culture will enable students to better comprehend the world they live in, the problems of their society, and their own lives. This core of historical and cultural understanding will help students to function as educated and informed citizens in a democratic society. In addition, students will learn about the diversity and “meaning” of the American experience. A knowledge of the ethnic and cultural diversity which has created the present will help students to communicate and cooperate in a multicultural society.

The second goal of this major is to assist the student in developing his or her critical thinking skills: analysis, problem-solving, research, writing, and evaluation. The major not only emphasizes content and information, but is designed to foster the transferable skills and attitudes which will increase the ability of American studies majors to find employment, no matter what their occupational goals. The ability to make decisions, to solve problems, and to hold informed opinions are characteristics desired by employers everywhere. American studies majors may also opt to seek licensure as an elementary teacher.

Are you interested in a law school degree? Pre-law advising is available to any student interested in pursuing a law school degree. Contact Professor Dan Russell, pre-law advisor, at (413) 748-3240. Click here to learn more.

For more information about the American Studies major, contact Professor Thomas Carty of the Social Sciences Department, at (413) 748-3254 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

For more information on the American Studies major and the Social Sciences department, click here.

Download an American Studies Program Sequencing Guide

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

I. General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. For specific requirements, see the General Education Program (40 - 46 credits) section or the Sequencing Guide for this major.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

ARTS 219 - American Art 1700-1900 Credits: 3
ENGL 241 - American Literature I Credits: 3
or
ENGL 242 - American Literature II Credits: 3
HIST 105 - Colonial America to the Civil War Credits: 3
HIST 106 - The Civil War to Modern America Credits: 3
POSC 110 - Introduction to American Government Credits: 3
RELI 104 - Religion in America Credits: 3

In addition, select one of the English Literature of Diversity Selectives below:

ENGL 251 - African American Literature I Credits: 3
ENGL 252 - African American Literature II Credits: 3
ENGL 272 - Native American Literature Credits: 3
ENGL 274 - Asian American Literature Credits: 3
ENGL 275 - Women and Literature Credits: 3

B. Concentration Requirements

Select one of the following concentrations:

1. U.S. History and the Political Process

Select five of the following courses (15 credits); at least three courses must be at the 300 or 400 level (if not already used as a core requirement):

HIST 210 - African American History Credits: 3
HIST 360 - Early American Thought and Culture Credits: 3
HIST 361 - Modern American Thought and Culture Credits: 3
HIST 365 - Environmental History of America Credits: 3
HIST 388 - Studies in History - American Credits: 3-4
(if the focus is American history)
HIST 481 - Recent American History Credits: 3
HIST 482 - History Seminar Credits: 3-4
POSC 330 - State and Local Politics Credits: 3
POSC 340 - Public Policy Credits: 3
POSC 360 - Social Movement Organizations Credits: 3
POSC 488 - Special Topics in Political Science Credits: 3-4
(if the focus is American social issues)

2. American Social Issues

SOCI 101 - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3
In addition, select four of the following courses (12 credits); at least three courses must be at the 300- or 400- level:
CRIM 325 - Juvenile Delinquency Credits: 3
or
YDEV 240 - Youth in Society Credits: 3
CRIM 370 - Violence and Victimization Credits: 3
MUSC 332 - Music as a Form of Social Protest Credits: 3
POSC 320 - Civil Liberties Credits: 3
POSC 330 - State and Local Politics Credits: 3
POSC 340 - Public Policy Credits: 3
POSC 360 - Social Movement Organizations Credits: 3
SOCI 210 - Social Problems Credits: 3
SOCI 220 - Families in Society Credits: 3
SOCI 312 - Women and Society Credits: 3
SOCI 322 - Racial and Ethnic Relations Credits: 3
SOCI 347 - Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare Credits: 3
SOCI 375 - Cities and Communities Credits: 3
SOCI 410 - Poverty and Wealth: Class in Society Credits: 3
SOCI 420 - Media and Society Credits: 3
SOCI 430 - Sociology of Health and Health Care Credits: 3

3. American Literature