American Studies Program

Women carrying signs during 1963 March on Washingon

"Civil rights march on Washington, D.C. / [WKL]." Original black and white negative by Warren K. Leffler. Taken August 28th, 1963, Washington D.C, United States...

Why American Studies?

“To me, the American Studies major captures the struggle to understand and create a 'more perfect union.'" - Allison Gold '15

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Focus on Spring Courses

Spring quarter features courses on the American West, Asian American film and popular culture, the history of San Francisco, race and ethnicity in urban California, and much more!

Spring 2021 Courses

An interdisciplinary major for independent thinkers

American Studies provides students with a multifaceted understanding of the United States in all its complexity and diversity. Rooted in courses in history and social sciences, literature and the arts, and race and ethnicity, it invites students to develop fresh, insightful interpretations of America’s past and present, while also preparing them for the future as deft critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers.