Work Independently
American Studies graduates will have created a coherent course of study matched to their interests and their post-graduate plans. This may include taking a suitable minor and creating for themselves relevant extracurricular experiences such as internships, editorships, travel study, ORCA grants, conference participation, and publication.
Engage Disciplinarily and Interdisciplinarily
American Studies graduates will understand that American studies is coherent as a discipline in and of itself and also engage their major both within and across the various other disciplines that constitute American Studies, mastering the theoretical and methodological approaches inherent in the American Studies curriculum.
Analyze Rigorously
American Studies graduates will be able to read critically and analyze cultural, economic, historical, literary, political, social, and religious texts and artifacts. They will identify, evaluate, and incorporate appropriate research sources in their work as they demonstrate awareness of the critical conversations they are entering. Their analyses will contribute to their understanding of the ways in which the American experience has been, and continues to be, constructed and transmitted.
Communicate Persuasively
American Studies graduates will be able to formulate both their oral and written arguments coherently, support them clearly, and communicate them effectively to their audiences using correct conventions of language and some stylistic flair–all according to the best practices of the variety of disciplines and situations in which they are engaged.
