Research
All students in the American studies program complete a senior thesis or capstone project, both of which are large research projects that represent the culmination of what they have learned as American studies majors. While the project is required of all students, they can approach it in different ways. Most students will work with a faculty member during their senior year. The faculty member will serve as an advisor on the project.
For students who think they may want to continue their studies at the graduate level and want to pursue more in-depth research opportunities, the School of Arts & Sciences offers a number of summer research fellowships to students who want to receive support while they conduct research during the summer prior to their senior year, or even earlier. During the summers, students still work with a faculty advisor. Their work may ultimately relate to their senior thesis or they may choose to work on an entirely different project. Typically, summer research results in some sort of measurable project at its conclusion, either a paper or presentation. The School of Arts & Sciences also offers students travel stipends if they want to present their research at regional or national conferences or meetings.
The first step to conducting successful research, either during the summer or academic year, is to find a faculty member to whom you relate and whose research interests mirror your own.
