American Studies Program
Benjamin Cooper, PhD, Chair
“The truth does not change depending on our ability to stomach it.” – Flannery O’Connor
The American Studies program offers a minor in American studies. American Studies is a multidisciplinary approach to the many fluid, shifting cultural issues within the idea of “America.” What is contained within the idea of America? Whom does it contain? Whom does it leave out? How have the various struggles to define America changed over time and in relation to larger uncertainties surrounding nation, empire, citizenship, race, and sexuality (to name but a few concerns)? As you complete the minor in American Studies, you will address such questions by incorporating the different methodologies of literature, history, religion, anthropology, criminal justice, sociology, political science, cultural studies, and gender studies.