American Studies | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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Understand, analyze, explore

Acquire a broad familiarity with the dynamics of cultural experience and life in the United States.

Why Iowa?

Explore how American institutions, values, gender and ethnic relations, artifacts, popular and fine arts, and everyday life have developed over time to define what we know as America.

Study Here

Build a foundation

American Studies is committed to the study of American culture. In our scholarship and teaching, we model interdisciplinary inquiry and stress the central role of power and struggle.

Build a foundation

Get your MA or PhD in American Studies, or explore our specialized Graduate Certificate in Native American and Indigenous Studies. We prepare students for a wide range of careers in the arts, education, and public service.

Expand your horizons

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Learn from experts

Faculty in our department specialize in a wide variety of interdisciplinary topics, helping students acquire a broad familiarity with the dynamics of cultural experience and explore aspects of life in the United States.

Learn from experts

See yourself here

Critically examine the complex connections between past and present culture and history to understand the impact people have on American society.

Visit

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3

Minors

10+

Course options

10

Faculty

2

Certificates

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Write your story

Prepare for a wide range of careers in the arts, education, and public service through interdisciplinary inquiry into the central role power and struggle have played in American culture.

Apply

News and announcements

Where literature and lived experiences meet: Elizabeth Rodriguez Fielder’s path as a scholar and educator

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Since joining the Department of English and American Studies at Iowa, Rodriguez Fielder has brought together research, teaching, and mentorship to help students turn their curiosity into deeper questions about the world around them.

CLAS industry professionals bring tomorrow's creative industries into today's classrooms

Monday, August 24, 2026

From literary agents to filmmakers, the Industry Professionals in the Arts and Humanities program gives students direct access to the professionals shaping today's creative industries.

4 University of Iowa students awarded Leona Zaharis Scholarship to study abroad

Monday, August 3, 2026

Four University of Iowa students have been awarded the Leona Zaharis Scholarship to support their study abroad experiences in summer and fall 2026.

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Events

Punk in 50 Pieces

Thursday, November 19, 2026 4:00pm

English-Philosophy Building

Co-sponsored by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Obermann Center.

Punk in 50 Pieces retells the story of punk’s cultural earthquake. Kevin Dettmar traces the evolution of this rock ‘n’ roll revolution, revealing how classic early punk (The Ramones, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop) gave birth to both post-punk (Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Gang of Four) and New Wave (Talking Heads, Blondie, Devo).Standing beside classic works such as Please Kill Me, Lipstick Traces, Rip It...

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