Current Course Offerings:   Summer I   SummerII   Fall   Spring

Courses in American Studies

AMS 200: Introduction to American Studies 3 hours
This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of American culture and history, focusing on the theme of individualism and the community. (This class fulfills the General Education Requirement.)

AMS 300: Regional Culture in America 3 hours
This course looks closely at a region in America, considering ways scholars work across traditional disciplinary boundaries to construct a coherent understanding of what is meant by culture.

AMS 390: Internship 3-6 hours
After completing at least 18 hours of course work, a student may choose to work outside the University on a regional or national project. The director will help to make arrangements and will evaluate the student's performance. Prerequisite: 18 hours of AMS course work.

AMS 490: American Studies in a Global Context 3 hours
This final seminar for the American Studies major and minor is designed to broaden students' conception of American Studies by challenging them to place their knowledge of the culture of the United States within a global context. (This class fulfills the Baccalaureate Writing Requirement.)

AMS 500: Special Topics 3 hours
Courses will feature some aspect of American Studies, such as material culture, maritime culture, popular culture, or culture and the arts. Prerequisites: at least 18 hours of courses in American Studies, including AMS 200 and AMS 300, or graduate-student status in any participating department.

AMS 590: Interdisciplinary Theory and Methods 3 hours
This course will allow students to understand the development of American Studies from the early history and literature syntheses. Prerequisites: at least 18 hours of courses in American Studies, including AMS 200 and AMS 300, or graduate-student status in any participating
department.

AMS 598: Independent Study 1-3 hours
An individual project is available to advanced students by special permission from the director of American Studies. Prerequisites: at least 18 hours of courses in American Studies, including AMS 200 and AMS 300, or graduate-student status in any participating department.

AMS Studies Abroad, 1-2 semester
The Office of Study Abroad will arrange for WMU students to study American culture from the perspective of another country at a university outside the United States.