There is no central American Studies department and faculty, although the coordinator of the program is available for advising and administrative help. Students seek out the courses and faculty that will be most beneficial to them. The topic and technique of this Special Study course will be of the student's own devising, with the teacher acting as friendly consultant and critic. This is what might be called an undergraduate thesis project, although the outcome is not formally a thesis. The academic objective in this major is sound understanding of American cultural experience.
Travel is valuable, as is mastery of another language.
Students entering this major should choose their theme at least by the middle of the junior year in order to take advantage of courses in various appropriate departments. The program is directed by a coordinator and an American Studies Council consisting of faculty from participating departments and students currently completing the major. Rather, this many-sided program prepares men and women for personal paths of inquiry and for public engagements across a wide spectrum. No one should follow the major who is not inclined to discover and in some measure create his or her own career. Or, by meeting requirements for the diversified elementary credential, American Studies majors may prepare for careers in self-contained classrooms and classes for adults.