What is American Studies?
American Studies explores the cultures of the United States, as well as their transnational exchanges and impact. The discipline’s practitioners seek to understand the historical origins of particular cultures and practices held by individuals and groups within the United States and how those values and beliefs shape social and political realities within and beyond U.S. borders. The approach that American Studies takes is interdisciplinary, meaning that in American Studies we answer these questions using tools developed by numerous disciplines including history, sociology, anthropology, literary criticism, folklore, media, and science and technology studies.
Studying American Studies
"As a graduating student at the University of California, Davis majoring in American Studies, my chosen field of study is a common point of misconception. No, American Studies is not [strictly] American history. Rather, American Studies is a field in the humanities that evaluates contemporary United States culture and society."
- Brennan D Barbaran, Class of 2018
American Studies provides an excellent, broad education in the liberal arts. Our goal is that you become a good critical thinker, that you develop excellent writing skills, and that you “learn how to learn,” that is, you learn to figure out what intellectual tools and specialized knowledge you will need to perform a task or solve a problem. We believe these intellectual and communication skills will prepare you for just about anything you face after graduation.
American Studies Major Turns Passions Into Professions
Explore how American Studies provides alumni and students with critical and creative perspectives, tools that can be used in many areas, an introduction to wide-ranging topics, and ways to meld academics, career and personal passion.
My Major is American Studies
Brennan Barbaran '18, shares their perspective on the American Studies major. Read over My Major is American Studies to get an idea of where one former UCD American Studies graduate has taken their career.
Our alumni are an eclectic and interesting group, diverse in their interests and skills. What links them is the American Studies outlook in the world which takes people down all kinds of professional paths. American Studies alumni have become lawyers, teachers, social workers, urban planners, marketing professionals, filmmakers, professors, professional writers (and comedians) and non-profit staff and leaders. Some have gone onto careers in sports (as athletes and in the NFL). To learn more about careers related to American Studies visit our Career Resources page.
Major & Minor
The Department offers an American Studies major or American Studies minor option for students.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who complete a major in American Studies will be able to:
1. Analyze, interpret, and think critically about American cultural practices.
2. Conduct independent research in American culture using appropriate methods and protocols.
3. Place American cultural concepts and artifacts within specific historical contexts.
4. Articulate complex ideas in American culture in written and oral formats.