The Bachelor of Arts in American Studies explores an array of topics ranging from music, advertising and film to government policy, science and religion.
Majors also complete elective courses and small, discussion-oriented seminars, culminating in a final senior research project on a topic of their choosing.
American Studies majors must complete a senior seminar course, AMST 4500, during which they produce a substantial capstone paper based on independent, primary-source research. Recent graduates have examined the racial politics of contemporary hip-hop, the political fight against "Donʼt Ask, Donʼt Tell" and the sustainable food movement in the American Christian community. Note: This seminar is offered only in the fall semester. Students planning to study abroad in the fall of their senior year should take the course in their junior year.
Students also may enroll in an undergraduate research course, AMST 4400, to pursue research interests of their own. In this course, students are supervised by our faculty who have ample research experience of their own.
Graduating majors may be awarded special honors in American Studies. Majors must receive a grade of A on the senior research essay written for AMST 4500W, maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher in the major and meet GW’s special honors requirements.
