Bachelor of Arts in American Studies

Western New England University

The American Studies major is the perfect blend of History and English that will allow you to think critically and make comparisons between the past and the present. The program takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach to the meaning and nature of culture in the United States. Literature is the core of the program, but you will position your literary study in a comparative analysis of visual media and history to supplement your understanding of the relationship between cultural expressions and their context in social, political, and economic change. Combining a specialization in American culture with emphasis on critical reading, writing, and thinking throughout the course of study offers you a unique perspective in the study of history through literature. If you are interested in a career specifically focused on American literature or culture, you will be able to present yourself as a specialist in the field. Not only will you discover a more detailed understanding of our society, you will be able to consider the implications of past events in the shaping of our culture today.

The curriculum crosses boundaries from American literature (including major African American and ethnic authors), to American history, film, and other visual media. It includes an in-depth study of the major texts in American Literature, as well as courses from the University’s programs in History, Communication, and Film and Media Studies.

College of Arts and Sciences