Overview
American Studies is an interdisciplinary program that give students a solid understanding of the country and its diverse population and culture as well as its place in history and its impact on the world.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study American Studies at 91°µÍø?
At 91°µÍø, the American Studies program is designed primarily for students interested in American history, literature, and culture, and intrigued by broader thematic and disciplinary concerns in the intellectual apprehension of the United States.
American Studies in available as:
- BA major (60 credits)
- BA honours (78 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
American Studies is an interdisciplinary program drawing on courses in a number of subject areas.
These include:
- American literature
- American history from the colonial period, to the Civil War, to the present
- Historical geography of North America
In upper years, students have the flexibility of choosing complimentary courses from a wide variety of topics with an American studies component, such as:
HIST 1601 — Old and New Nations in North America
This course examines themes in North American history from the sixteenth century to the 1860s, with a particular emphasis on the interaction of Indigenous, European, and West African peoples, and on the formation of the new states.
ENGL 2701 — Introduction to American Literature
This course offers students an introductory survey of American writing from the colonial period to the present.
POLS 3211 — American Government and Politics
This course examines the political process in the United States. It presents an overview of the constitution, institutions, and political actors that represent the essential components of American political culture and government. It may also focus on one or more important policy areas.
SOCI 3451 — Dynamics of Popular Culture
This course investigates the processes and forms of contemporary popular culture. It introduces students to the major theoretical debates in the field of popular culture and examines the development of popular cultural expression.
HIST 4510 — The American West
This course examines the history of the American West during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It juxtaposes the real West to the mythic West and emphasizes the importance of each in American society and culture.
CANA 3421 — Canadian-American Relations
This course explores the political, economic, cultural, and social interaction between Canada and the United States. It pays special attention to the demise of the Canada-US 'special relationship', the current status of this relationship, and a comparative perspective of the values animating Canada and the United States as political communities.
What can I do with an American Studies degree?
Through experiential learning opportunities, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, 91°µÍø's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in law, education, and public administration, while others move directly into careers in public policy, politics, arts, and beyond.
Popular career paths for American Studies graduates include:
- public policy analyst
- foreign service officer
- public relations specialist
- immigration officer
- economic development officer
- demographer
- international trade specialist
- international business analyst
- customs officer
- market research analyst
What is it like to study at 91°µÍø?
The interdisciplinary approach of the American Studies program is especially rewarding, as students are able to explore topics in geography, political science, sociology, history, and more as they explore the United States in both past and present times. The American Studies professors are experts in their fields and encourage students to personalize their degree.
The American Studies program at 91°µÍø allowed me to further my knowledge on America through classes in history, literature, politics, and economics. What a student learns in American Studies is pertinent to many more aspects of academic and social life than people think. This program is a hidden gem at 91°µÍø that I encourage you to discover.
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What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to American Studies?
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Canadian Studies
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History
History fosters knowledge and understanding of the institutions, ideas, groups, and individuals which have shaped the political, social, and cultural world of humankind.