The American Studies concentration will give students a broad understanding of the history, culture, and people of America. American Studies encourages students to explore the relationships among ideas, institutions, values, and aesthetic forms as they have evolved in the United States. Students must take courses in each of the following areas: history, government, the arts, literature, behavioral sciences, and a capstone course. This concentration requires a minimum of 36 credits.

Concentration Requirements:

Requirement	Credits	Examples
American Art	6 credits	American Art History, Survey of Jazz Styles
American Government	3 credits	American Government
American History	6 credits	History and Sociology of the American Indian, History of the American Constitution, American Constitution 1954-Present, The Civil War, American Foreign Policy
American Literature	6 credits	Mark Twain and His Times, American Novel, American Short Story
Behavioral Sciences (American)	6 credits	Ethics in America, Sociology of the Family, Sociology of the City, Sociology of Diversity, Social Problems and Their Impact on the Workplace
Upper level credits in one of the areas above	6 credits	Please see above
Capstone	3 credits	AMS 499(Culminating course in concentration)
TOTAL	36
Prerequisite: American History 1 and 2	6 credits	U.S. History 1 and 2, American History 1 and 2

Note: Only grades of C of higher may be included in the concentration.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students with a concentration in American Studies will be able to:

1. discuss the significant events, peoples, ideas, and products relevant to the field and study of American studies;
2. explain how the arts and literature help to shape the American society;
3. explain the role of politics in shaping the American society; and
4. discuss how being knowledgeable about American history and culture makes one a better citizen.

Concentration Plan of Study Forms

The concentration plan of study (CPS) is the tool you will use to plan your degree completion program. The CPS form offers information on how subject requirements can be met. You may download the form below as a Microsoft Word document (form will open in a new window). To request a course subsitution in a CPS, use the Request for Substitution Form. Additional information on the concentration is also available in the Official Catalog.

• American Studies CPS Form (using Charter Oak courses exclusively)
• American Studies CPS Form

Please Note: for prospective students this form should simply serve as a guide. Once you have matriculated (enrolled), you will receive personalized degree planning advice from your Academic Counselor.