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.
At the center of the American studies curriculum are an introductory course, in which students explore recurring historical themes and learn the research methods used in the field, and an intensive seminar, taken in the junior or senior year, that focuses on a particular topic or era. Students also take selected courses in U.S. literature and U.S. history. From this base, students work closely with their faculty mentors to chart their own academic paths through study in departments such as Art History, Government, Africana Studies, Theater, Hispanic Studies, Anthropology, Philosophy and others.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
