Master of Arts in American Culture Studies

Bowling Green State University

The interdisciplinary Master of Arts in American Culture Studies is designed around the concept of culture, which unifies study of many discrete aspects of American historical, social, intellectual, and artistic heritage. The program invites students to explore particular themes, issues, and periods from an interdisciplinary perspective.

The M.A. curriculum offers a foundation in the study of American culture for students with a variety of interests or goals. Primarily, we seek to communicate a sense of the complexity and diversity of the American national culture through systematic analysis of its elements. This approach is relevant equally to students who might pursue a career in education in some aspect of American culture; those who might engage in such professions as journalism, public relations, advertising, government, marketing, etc., where a knowledge of American culture is important; or those seeking enrichment of their understanding of American culture. While the American culture studies component of the curriculum assures a common experience in the study of culture, the remainder of the courses allows an individualized educational experience.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the American Culture Studies program are expected to be able to:

Communicate clearly orally and in writing interpretation of the American experience, informed by relevant cultural theory

Evaluate and synthesize the scholarly conversations in Cultural and American Studies.

Design and produce rigorous, interdisciplinary research informed by relevant theories in the fields of cultural and American Studies.

Engage with profession through activities in professional societies, publication, and other scholarly and professional activities.