Major & Minor

As a discipline, American Studies focuses on the complexity of the social, cultural, and political lives in – and in relation to – the United States. In doing this work, American Studies research can include multiple methodological approaches and theoretical lenses as scholars engage in the process of analyzing how Americans have defined such key concepts as individualism, community, nation, empire, identity, and citizenship in the past and in the present day.

At the University of Richmond, our approach to American Studies combines coursework from a variety of departments into a single major as we encourage students to craft a distinctive program of study that meets their intellectual interests.

The major consists of nine courses, including a topical survey open primarily to first-year students and sophomores (AMST 201), and a junior-senior seminar that joins theory and practice in a capstone project (AMST 301). Our program emphasizes the importance of understanding American culture and history through both “local” and “global” contexts, requiring students to investigate the American experience through a course centered on community studies and community-based learning (AMST 381) and also through coursework that challenges them to recognize the multidirectional flows of peoples, ideas, and goods across political and geographical borders (AMST 391).

A core group of American Studies faculty specialize in American history, politics, literature, media, religion, anthropology, sociology, music, dance, and theater.  Majors work closely with program faculty to determine a specialized course of study for the remaining five electives, two of which must be taken at the 300 level or higher.

  • Major

    The American Studies Major

    Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the major must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.70).

    Nine units, including:

    • AMST201 Introduction to American Studies

    • AMST301 Seminar in American Studies

    • AMST381 Richmond Seminars

    • AMST391 Tocqueville Seminars

    • Five electives in allied departments, chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor, including two at the 300 level or higher

    Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for electives in allied departments. Prerequisites do not count toward the major unless otherwise noted.

  • Minor

    The American Studies Minor

    The grade point average of coursework comprising the minor must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.70).

    Five units, including:

    • AMST201 Introduction to American Studies

    • AMST301 Seminar in American Studies

    • AMST381 Richmond Seminars

    • Two elective courses from the approved list, drawn from two allied departments.