Add a Minor in American Studies
What exactly is America—and how has American-ness shaped folk and popular culture, political life, media and the environment, social movements, and global economics? As the 2020 census makes clear, the United States is becoming increasingly ethnically and racially diverse. American Studies provides students with an opportunity to develop fresh, incisive interpretations of America’s multifaceted past and present, while preparing them for the future as deft critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers.
Whether by exploring the invention of the 40-hour workweek, the summer of love, the quagmires of U.S. imperialism, assimilation and food cultures, or national parks and Indigenous and environmental cultures, American Studies expands the sources through which students interpret core tenets – including equality, justice and the pursuit of happiness. Classes tend to be dynamic and student-centered, emphasizing hands-on social and cultural analysis. Students visit museums and archives, explore nature sites, stream media, and design projects with faculty mentorship.
The minor in American Studies provides the opportunity to develop both broad training in cultural analysis and emphasis of particular interests within the study of American culture. Minors in American studies take their critical thinking and problem-solving skills into an array of professions and endeavors, including museums and national parks, consulting and marketing, museums and national parks, teaching and education, sports management, business, and community leadership.
Requirements
The undergraduate minor in American studies requires a minimum of 15 semester hours, including 12 semester hours numbered above AMST:1010 - Understanding American Cultures taken at the University of Iowa. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass. Students select courses for the minor according to their interests and the recommendation of their advisor.
Coursework requirements
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| American Studies courses numbered above 1010 | 15 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Learning outcomes
- Deeper knowledge and critical understanding of American history, cultures, and society
- Interpret a range of sources and to integrate those sources into a persuasive argument about American culture
- Explain one’s own perspective on American identity and to place that identity in the diverse, global context of our time
Create your academic path
You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.
Current course list
The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.