American Studies (Interdisciplinary Minor)

American Studies is an interdisciplinary program administered jointly by the departments of English and History. The minor is intended to provide students with a variety of perspectives on American culture, society, and history and to aid them in their understanding of a varied and complex civilization. To this end, students may choose from a variety of academic fields including history, literature, politics, popular culture, society, and the visual arts. A minor in American Studies can serve as a valuable complement to majors in several fields, including but not limited to, Art History, Communication, English, History, Political Science, and Sociology. Students interested in an American Studies minor should contact either the chairperson of the Department of English 216-687-3950, or the chairperson of the Department of History 216-687-3920.

Required Courses:

Students wishing to minor in American Studies must develop a plan of study with the American Studies Steering Committee and must earn at least 20 semester credit hours in approved American Studies courses. The 20 semester credit hours must include:

1. American Studies Core Courses (three courses)
   • HIS 301 American Cultural History
   • HIS 111 United States History to 1877
     or
   • HIS 112 United States History Since 1877
   • ENG 342 Survey of American Literature
2. Elective Courses
   • ART 374 American Architecture
   • Other courses will be selected from an extensive list including courses from the departments of Art, Communication, Economics, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Sociology.

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