If you’re interested in how people, society and institutions have changed and continue to change over time, you may want to consider a major in American studies, history or social science.

Among the most interdisciplinary of the liberal arts, these majors give students the chance to examine issues or ideas from many perspectives, discussing the arts, economics, law, literature, politics and social change. Each emphasizes logical thinking, creativity and skills in critical analysis that students can use in many careers.

The American Studies Major

American studies is an area-studies major focusing on North America since European exploration and settlement. The major offers students the opportunity to understand the American experience from many perspectives— artistic, ethnic, historical, literary, political, economic and sociological. Reaching across the boundaries of specific disciplines, American studies courses address those facets of the American experience that are often overlooked in conventional courses and majors.

Unlike majors in a single discipline, American studies allows students to take courses in many areas. Electives may include upper-level courses from any of 13 different disciplines. Many students elect to pursue a second major in a subject such as communication arts and sciences, history, political science or sociology to further strengthen their research interests and career development.

American studies is a good major for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law, cultural institutions, public service, urban planning or teaching. Students in elementary teaching find the major’s coursework especially useful for preparing them for the diverse activities of the elementary classroom as well as meeting the Illinois General Education Requirements for teaching.

American studies majors take at least 37 credit hours in this interdisciplinary field, 20 of which must be completed at Dominican University. Majors must take two required courses, Introduction to American studies and Introduction to Human Society. Other courses are chosen from US history, American literature, media studies, sociology, art, philosophy, theology, political science and theatre courses. Classes are offered during the day and evening, and the major can be completed at night.

Some of the courses offered include:

• Growing Up in America, from Colonial Times to the Present
  
• Race and Ethnicity in America
  
• Mass Media and American Society
  
• The American Urban Experience
  
• Changing America: The Progressive Era Through the New Deal
  
• Museum Studies Practicum
  
• The Road in American Culture