Arizon State University West

Course Details

American Studies (BA)

Course Description

The B.A. in American Studies, within the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, enables students to look at the experiences of North Americans and their environment from a variety of historical and contemporary perspectives. Courses are grouped into four emphases: American cultures: concentrating on systems of belief and their symbolic expression in literature, art, philosophy, and regional and popular cultures. American lives: exploring the ways in which categories of race, ethnicity, class and gender intersect with individual and community experience. American systems: dealing with political, economic, religious and legal institutions. Writing: stressing critical writing skills and training students to pursue careers in which writing is a major activity. Students learn to think and write critically, to conduct research and to appreciate the changing and diverse nature of American life. Students determine appropriate programs of study in consultation with department academic advisors.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
3year

Career outcomes

Graduates are well equipped to embark on a wide variety of careers in government, education, business, museum and foundation work; journalism and other forms of professional writing; and in other areas where these capabilities are highly valued and sought. The program also serves as excellent preparation for law school and for graduate programs in fields such as: American studies. Art history. English. History. Journalism. Ideally suited to careers in which research, analysis and planning play a central role. Example Careers: Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to the following: career title *growth *median salary Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 15.12 65,030 Historians 11.46 51,050 History Teachers, Postsecondary 15.12 63,490 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 19.49 68,790 Political Scientists 104,090 * Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




American Studies (BA) Arizon State University West