American Studies

We offer students the opportunity to understand the diverse range of American identities and experiences within a comparative and transnational frame.

Our courses engage multifaceted understandings of indigenous communities; settlement; colonialism; migration; race/racism; and social, economic, cultural and political change. Majors develop the methodological, theoretical, and research skills to conduct independent interdisciplinary research. The American Studies department is also distinct in our commitment to community-based learning.

Department Highlights

The Major

Students design an individualized course of study and conduct independent interdisciplinary research.

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Community Engagement

The department fosters critical analysis by engaging with local community partners in teaching, researching and promoting active civic engagement.

Race and Ethnicity

The American Studies Department has become increasingly focused on issues of race, ethnicity and transnationalism.

NAIS

Situated in the Kwinitekw Valley and Nonotuck homeland, the American Studies department honors the deep histories and enduring presence of Indigenous nations by offering courses in Native American and Indigenous Studies.

Native American Literature Collection

Six students posing by a sign at the AAAS Conference

APA Studies

Our department takes pride in its multiple courses on the history, activism, and contemporary life of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Asian American Studies Working Group

Latinx Studies

Our courses offer many opportunities to explore the diversity of Latinx lives, cultures, and experiences in the United States and transnationally.

Latinx and Latin American Studies

Our Alumni

Our majors go on to graduate work in history, English, art history, museum studies and other fields and are working in law, academe, non-profit, business and government.

Our History

Founded in 1948, we are one of the oldest American Studies departments in the United States.