American Studies, AB

Founded in 1969, the interdisciplinary American Studies Program at Georgetown University encourages students to ask critical questions about power, identity, history, and American culture. Our six core courses examine the narratives and ideas that define this country, ideas such as equality and democracy, and how differences and conflicts challenge those narratives, ideas, and  ideals. In American Studies, students consider how cultural artifacts and practices reflect and influence social trends. In our courses, students might trace how eighteenth century paintings comment on political divisions, how nineteenth century dime novels challenge assumptions about gender and class, or how contemporary music responds to race relations, among other things. Students also select courses from related fields – History, Art, English, Music, Sociology, Government, Philosophy and more – to create individualized degree plans based on their own interests. The major culminates with a year-long senior thesis project. With guidance from faculty mentors, students develop the deep knowledge to construct insightful critical arguments that can take many forms, from a traditional academic thesis to a multimedia or artistic project. The program is designed to help students build an integrated and intensive understanding of the social, historical, material, and aesthetic aspects of American cultures. 

Our small core courses emphasize discussion and hands-on learning, and taking several courses with others who entered the program in the same year helps students develop a strong sense of community. This is enhanced by extracurricular activities, including field trips, social events, and lectures. Recent field trips have included a visit to a special exhibit of Thomas Cole’s paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a multi-site tour of Baltimore, and a visit to Richmond, VA. Every academic year, the annual Richardson Lecture in American Studies brings nationally known writers, scholars, and artists to campus, and these events always include opportunities for students to talk in small groups with the speakers. 

The American Studies major is well-suited for intellectually curious and independent students whose interests cross disciplines and departments. This highly flexible major allows students to identify and pursue their interests while working collaboratively with a cohort of students and faculty. Field trips and on-campus events help to build a strong intellectual community that undergirds each student’s experience. 

Because the American Studies curriculum is rooted in two sophomore-level core courses, students interested in American Studies must apply in the spring of their first year, unlike other majors in the College. 

More than half a century after its founding, American Studies at Georgetown University remains committed to challenging its students with a demanding curriculum that prepares our graduates for careers in a wide variety of fields, including law, journalism, teaching, government, museum curation, national security, new media and television, non-profit work, and business, as well as advanced study at the masters and doctoral level.