American Studies
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Major Requirements
Liberal Studies Requirements
Schedule of Classes
Department Site
To inquire about this program:
Admission Office | 312-362-8300
American Studies (AMS) is an interdisciplinary field that asks the question, "What does it mean to be an American?" Addressing this question from the theoretical perspectives of cultural studies, AMS interdisciplinary courses emphasize working with primary materials, and not exclusively written texts,e.g., material culture, visual literacy, popular culture, film, television, music. Courses introduce a variety of methodologies and cover multiple groups (including racial and ethnic groups). In historical perspective, students examine the aesthetics, patterns, values, and institutions that have informed and inform American culture and the American experience. In addition to AMS interdisciplinary courses, multi-disciplinary course selections bring together courses from throughout DePaul's curriculum under a well-defined, yet flexible, structure to examine the complexities of the American world.
The program integrates the study of American art, literature, music, history, geography, and politics; social,cultural, and economic patterns and institutions; philosophy and religion. Through interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work, students learn how to bridge disciplines in considering specific topics or themes and will come to understand the breadth and diversity of American experience and culture.
Areas of study include Race and Ethnicity; Cultural History and Literature; Work, Technology and Society; Popular Culture; Nature, Environment and Culture; and Politics, Institutions and Values.
Internships are available at Chicago museums, historical societies, art galleries, corporations and others.
