American Studies, B.A.
Explore American life as a whole, rather than from the perspective of a single academic discipline.
American Studies offers a broad-ranging curriculum examining history and culture, society, national identity, communities and ideologies that have shaped our great nation.
You take classes in a number of areas to build a complex understanding of America through in-depth examinations of the influences of the past and the contexts of the present.
Required courses include American history, literature, religion, economics and government.
Additional courses are selected from a variety of subject areas, including sociology, political science, Latin American studies, African American studies, human and community services and mass communication.
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Major Requirements
American Studies offers a broad-ranging curriculum examining history and culture, society, national identity, communities, and ideologies that have shaped America. Students build a complex understanding of the influences of the past and the contexts of the present.
Required courses include American history, literature, religion, economics and government. Additional courses are selected from a variety of subject areas, including sociology, political science, Latin American studies, African American studies, human and community services and mass communication.Ìý The American Studies major earns a B.A. degree.
- General Education Requirements (37 hours)
- Technical Requirements (3 Hours)
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Major Requirements (39 Hours)
- AMS 400Ìý-ÌýAmerican Studies Senior Project
- ECO 121GÌý-ÌýPrinciples of Economics Macroeconomics
- HIS 201Ìý-ÌýThe American Experiment
- HIS 321Ìý-ÌýSeminar in US History
- POL 120Ìý-ÌýAmerican Government
- REL 272Ìý-ÌýAmerican Religion
Choose 2 Courses from the Following ListChoose One from the Following- ENG course with African-American focus
- HUM or HSB with African-American focus
- HCS 250GÌý-ÌýMulticultural Perspectives
- HIS 208GÌý-ÌýThe Modern Developing World
- PHI 320Ìý-ÌýAfrican-American Philosophy
- SPA 332 - Cult. & Civ of Lat American Hours: 3
- SPA 353 - Latin American Literature to 1888 Hours: 3
- SPA 354 - Latin American Lit 1888-Present Hours: 3
Additional Major Electives (12 Hours)(Any course not taken from the above list or any of the following or special topics courses, with approval of the program coordinator) for a minimum of 12 credit hours:
- COM 120 - Communication Appreciation Hours: 3
- CRJ 260Ìý-ÌýIntroduction to Criminal Justice
- ECO 221Ìý-ÌýHistory of Economic Thought
- ECO 322Ìý-ÌýGovernment and Business
- HIS 248Ìý-ÌýNorth Carolina
- POL 331Ìý-ÌýAmerican Foreign Policy
- POL 420Ìý-ÌýSelected Topics in American Politics
- SOC 100Ìý-ÌýIntroduction to Sociology
- SOC 200Ìý-ÌýSocial Problems
- SOC 317Ìý-ÌýSocial Stratification
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General Elective Credits
(If Needed)
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Total Credit Hours (Minimum) 128
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific core curriculum requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All Bachelors programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 128 credit hours. If, in combination, core, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 128 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 128 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Learning Inside & Outside the Classroom
Future employers and post-graduate schools will look at your entire undergraduate work both inside and outside the classroom. Take full advantage of all opportunities that are available to you at LR, including research, study abroad, internships, student clubs and organizations.
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Why Major in American Studies?
An American Studies degree allows you to expand your knowledge of literature, economics, history, political science, sociology, theology, philosophy and fine arts.
If you are interested in history and enjoy thinking about the social and ideological aspects of American culture, this degree will allow you to understand how we fit into the global society.
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Careers & Graduate School
Like other liberal arts degrees, American Studies equips you with the critical thinking, writing and other skills necessary for many career paths as well as a well-rounded life.
Graduates of American Studies programs go on to graduate programs or careers in a variety of fields, including law, social work, public history, government, journalism, business, advocacy, museum work, professional writing and teaching.
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Outside the Classroom
We understand that education goes beyond our university campus. We offer many opportunities for you to expand your learning and get connected with peers.
As a student you have an opportunity to complete an internship, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in class and gain real-world experience. We work in partnership with local companies and organizations to provide opportunities for you to learn and collaborate with professionals in the field.
³¢¸é’s study abroad programs in Latin American and our Washington Semester program are designed for students with interests in practically any academic area.
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.