American University Catalog 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
American Studies
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Director Tristan Cabello
Note: Faculty from the Departments of Anthropology, History, Literature, and other departments and schools of the university teach courses in the program.
The American Studies Program offers a highly interdisciplinary major and minor in which students can explore the different cultures and cultural expressions of the United States during its history and today. Students have the opportunity to research complex questions and follow interests that go beyond the confines of a single discipline and which are crucial to an understanding of US society and politics. American Studies students learn to analyze US society through sources ranging from historical documents, paintings, films, literature, blogs, and video games, thus preparing them for a wide range of careers in the media, museums, urban planning, education, and governmental and non-governmental organizations, in the United States or abroad.
The faculty consists of expert teachers and scholars from different departments, including anthropology, art history, history, literature, and education, who cooperate closely with DC community leaders and institutions, thus bringing diverse learning experiences into the classroom. Courses in American Studies encourage students to use the many resources DC has to offer and to participate in internships and service-learning (themed volunteer work accompanying a specific course and supervised by faculty). Many of our students find internships and part-time jobs in DC’s political and cultural institutions, thus complementing their education with practical experience.
Taking advantage of its unique location, the American Studies Program at AU focuses on studies of urban DC and the region as well as the study of the United States’ diverse cultural relations with the world (such as migration, tourism, and ethnic cuisine). We encourage students to participate in AU’s Study Abroad Program to experience an outside perspective on the United States. The American Studies Program at AU offers a unique profile and learning experience from which students can benefit in many ways. ProgramsMajorMinor
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