Students majoring in American studies (or sport studies) may graduate with honors in the major. They must maintain a University of Iowa g.p.a. of at least 3.33 and a g.p.a. of at least 3.33 in the major. In special circumstances, the grade-point average requirement may be waived with permission of the honors advisor and the departmental director of undergraduate studies.

The honors project is usually undertaken in the student’s final semester. Students should identify a potential project topic and an advisor from the American studies (or sport studies) faculty the semester before. Work for the honors project is done under the supervision of a faculty member with expertise in the topic the student is exploring. Projects typically take the form of traditional scholarly research. However, they also can be organized around public engagement, the digital humanities, or other formats decided on in consultation with the faculty advisor.

American studies students should enroll in AMST:4999 - Honors Project for 3 s.h. The credit counts toward the 33 s.h. of work required for the American studies major.

Sport studies students should enroll in SPST:4999 - Honors Project for 3 s.h. The credit counts toward the 33 s.h. of work required for the sport studies elective credit.

Students who pursue honors projects in two departments may not submit the same project for both unless special permission is obtained from each department. They may want to form a collaborative committee between the departments. Such an option would require more substance and depth than projects undertaken in one department. Students should check with honors advisors from both departments before they pursue such projects.

University of Iowa Honors Program

In addition to honors in the major, students may pursue honors study and activities through membership in the University of Iowa Honors Program. University honors students must maintain a 3.33 g.p.a., complete 12 s.h. of coursework designated as honors courses, and complete 12 s.h. of an experiential learning project. Visit Honors at Iowa to learn about the University's honors program.

NOTE: Membership in the UI Honors Program is not required to earn honors in the American studies or sport studies major.