AMERICAN STUDIES IS THE EXPLORATION OF CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE in the United States. It uses the methods and perspectives of several disciplines — particularly history and literature — as lenses through which the nation and its cultural heritage may be examined. In this way, the American Studies Program at Hamilton is representative of the most enduring liberal arts traditions and principles. Yet American studies is highly innovative as well. Our interdisciplinary approach fosters creativity and originality by encouraging students to work closely with faculty members as they develop and pursue individual plans of study.
The goal of Hamilton's American Studies Program is to introduce students to recurring historical themes and research methods while providing opportunities to focus on particular topics or eras in-depth.More ...
Academic Program
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
American studies courses stress the development
of rigorous, critical reading and research skills. Majors can build on these
skills by receiving funding to work in collaboration with faculty mentors
during the summer as Emerson Fellows. Students' knowledge of the world and
habits of critical thinking are enhanced by closely working with their
professors, who are themselves active in their own specialties. Conducting
research is crucial to helping you frame and integrate what you have learned in
the classroom.
SENIOR PROGRAM
Coursework in American studies culminates in a unique interdisciplinary seminar, often team taught by professors in two different discplines, on a special topic in American cultural life. Honors students in American studies complete a final project — usually a thesis, but creative work and field research projects are also possible — completed under the supervision of the program director.
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RESOURCES
As an interdisciplinary program, American studies at Hamilton draws on the extensive resources and rich traditions of many disciplines and departments: English, history, government, anthropology, economics, sociology, Hispanic studies, even religious studies and art history. Writing skills are also a critical part of the American studies major, and the College's Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center is regarded as one of the nation's best — a model for other colleges and universities. Here students learn the fine points of researching, developing and organizing essays.
Thanks to its borrowings from various disciplines, American studies is an excellent concentration for students eager to experience all that a liberal arts education offers. Students read widely and think creatively about American traditions, history and character, while gaining a new appreciation of their own culture and heritage, both its strengths and its weaknesses.
Challenging Courses
American studies courses at Hamilton have earned a reputation for intellectual rigor. In a recent year, for example, about two-thirds of responding students "strongly" identified American studies courses as challenging and thought-provoking.
Freedom and Structure
An American studies concentration consists of 10 courses: the two required American studies courses (intro. and seminar), two courses in U.S. literature, two courses in U.S. history and four electives. Within this broad framework, dozens of course options allow students to develop individual plans of study that reflect their needs and interests.
Endless Possibilities
With its interdisciplinary reach and many writing-intensive courses, American studies can open doors to a wide range of professional and academic fields. Recent graduates of the Hamilton program have gone into law, education, entertainment, media and digital technology.
Thanks to its borrowings from various disciplines, American studies is an excellent concentration for students eager to experience all that a liberal arts education offers. Students read widely and think creatively about American traditions, history and character, while gaining a new appreciation of their own culture and heritage, both its strengths and its weaknesses.
Challenging Courses
American studies courses at Hamilton have earned a reputation for intellectual rigor. In a recent year, for example, about two-thirds of responding students "strongly" identified American studies courses as challenging and thought-provoking.
Freedom and Structure
An American studies concentration consists of 10 courses: the two required American studies courses (intro. and seminar), two courses in U.S. literature, two courses in U.S. history and four electives. Within this broad framework, dozens of course options allow students to develop individual plans of study that reflect their needs and interests.
Endless Possibilities
With its interdisciplinary reach and many writing-intensive courses, American studies can open doors to a wide range of professional and academic fields. Recent graduates of the Hamilton program have gone into law, education, entertainment, media and digital technology.
Thanks to its borrowings from various disciplines, American studies is an excellent concentration for students eager to experience all that a liberal arts education offers. Students read widely and think creatively about American traditions, history and character, while gaining a new appreciation of their own culture and heritage, both its strengths and its weaknesses.
Challenging Courses
American studies courses at Hamilton have earned a reputation for intellectual rigor. In a recent year, for example, about two-thirds of responding students "strongly" identified American studies courses as challenging and thought-provoking.
Freedom and Structure
An American studies concentration consists of 10 courses: the two required American studies courses (intro. and seminar), two courses in U.S. literature, two courses in U.S. history and four electives. Within this broad framework, dozens of course options allow students to develop individual plans of study that reflect their needs and interests.
Endless Possibilities
With its interdisciplinary reach and many writing-intensive courses, American studies can open doors to a wide range of professional and academic fields. Recent graduates of the Hamilton program have gone into law, education, entertainment, media and digital technology.
Thanks to its borrowings from various disciplines, American studies is an excellent concentration for students eager to experience all that a liberal arts education offers. Students read widely and think creatively about American traditions, history and character, while gaining a new appreciation of their own culture and heritage, both its strengths and its weaknesses.
Challenging Courses
American studies courses at Hamilton have earned a reputation for intellectual rigor. In a recent year, for example, about two-thirds of responding students "strongly" identified American studies courses as challenging and thought-provoking.
Freedom and Structure
An American studies concentration consists of 10 courses: the two required American studies courses (intro. and seminar), two courses in U.S. literature, two courses in U.S. history and four electives. Within this broad framework, dozens of course options allow students to develop individual plans of study that reflect their needs and interests.
Endless Possibilities
With its interdisciplinary reach and many writing-intensive courses, American studies can open doors to a wide range of professional and academic fields. Recent graduates of the Hamilton program have gone into law, education, entertainment, media and digital technology.
AFTER HAMILTON
Hamilton graduates who concentrated in American Studies are pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including:
Controller, Washington National Opera
Pastry Chef Instructor, Culinary Institute of America
Writer/Editor, Businessweek
Assistant Professor, New York University
Deputy Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of HUD
President, Learning Connection
Business Analyst, Northern Trust Bank
Architectural Historian, New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
Acting President & CEO, National Constitution Center
