tiny logo

Wayne State University
American Studies

Promotional Flyer

What is American Studies?
American Studies is an interdepartmental BA program administered by the Director and an advisory committee. Together, the students and faculty in Amgeneral motorserican Studies are embarked join project, which is the investigation of our cultural address as citizens of the Americas at this moment in the late twentieth century; what it means for us all,, differently, to be living here together. In addition, the program has a special focus on Detroit, as both a distinctly American locale, but also as a world city. The faculty in American Studies includes scholars of national and international reputation, gathered from a cross the University. AS draws its faculty from such areas as Art History, Economics, Political Science, German and Slavic Languages, English, History, Anthropology, Film Studies, and Chicano-Boricua Studies.

Who Should Take American Studies?
American Studies is an undergraduate degree Program that offers a unique opportunity for students to develop an interdisciplinary major tailored specifically to their interests. There is a core of required courses, but beyond that, students consult with the Program director to develop an individualized curriculum. This option has proved highly desirable to students who are interested in re-interpreting traditional notions about a major or a minor. At the same time, because AS allows students the freedom to invent their own curriculum, it offers a particularly adaptable environment for the traditionally oriented as well. Students may enroll in AS courses either for elective credit, as a major, or as a minor. AS courses develop skills that will prove useful in a wide variety of occupations.

 Research and Analysis  People Skills  Communication
Investigating values Organizing groups Arguing from evidence
Interpreting events Relating to others on a multi-cultural basis Developing multi-media materials
Relating academic subjects to contemporary happenings Working inside organizations  
 Writing/editing    
Using cross-cultural meanings    
Dealing with different media    

What Do People Do With an American Studies Degree?
Following is a sample list of career opportunities for which AS would be a particularly useful preparation.

 Business  Non-Profit Professional
Advertising Special Interest Representative Law School
Publications coordinator Reporter Graduate School
Market researcher Grant officer Library Science
TV/radio programming Campaign organizer Museology 
Banking Case manager  
Corporate writing Institutional administrator  

Major in American Studies
The Program encourages students to develop an individual focus for their major. Major concentration in American Studies consists of forty-five credits, with only a minimum being required. Students choose courses from a broad range of options, including offerings from no fewer than three departments. A personalized program of work will be created by each student in consultation with the Program Director.

 You may also download an American Studies Major Checklist that can be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not already have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, you may access the Adobe webside and download the Reader application for free.

Minor in American Studies
The minor will consist of 18 credit hours in course work. Students will take the three core courses (9-12 credits) in American Studies (AS 2010, AS 5010, AS 5997) and select the remaining credits in conjunction with the Director of American Studies. The elective credits must be at the 300 level or above.

You may also download an American Studies Minor Checklist that can be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not already have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, you may access the Adobe webside and download the Reader application for free.

Need More Information?
Please contact the Director of the American Studies Program:
Jerry Herron
Director of American Studies
Wayne State University
51 W. Warren
Office 2001
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-3469
email: Jerry.Herron@wayne.edu