Why Learn American Studies at K?
As people living within the United States, we may not be fully aware of the nuances of American tradition as it is so ingrained in our daily lives. Concentrating in American Studies at K gives you the chance to critically reflect on the U.S.’s culture, politics and history.
As an American studies student, you will draw upon multiple disciplines—such as history, literature, psychology, sociology, political science, religion, art and music—to learn about the U.S.’s complicated history, culture and government.
You will gain this knowledge through courses in history (e.g., Unsettling Colonial America), literature and fine arts (e.g., American Realisms: U.S. Literature 1865-1914), politics (e.g., United States Foreign Policy), and society (e.g., Religion and Masculinity in the U.S.). In these classes, you will learn how to trace the evolution of American culture and politics over time and uncover how different the American experience is for folks across racial, gender and class lines.
Having a better understanding of American history, culture and systems will give you the context and knowledge to better navigate your life and career within the States. Notably, our alumni have been able to utilize their American Studies concentration throughout their careers as lawyers, historians, writers and policymakers.
What can you do with an American studies concentration?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our American studies alumni.
Careers
- Legislative Aid
- Attorney
- Librarian
- Campaign Manager
Employers
- Wisconsin Historical Society
- AmeriCorps
- Archives of Michigan
- The New York Times
Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- University of Southern California
- Wayne State University
- Harvard University
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Hunter Anderson
(She/Her)
Major: Political Science
Minor/Concentrations: English minor; American Studies and WGS concentrations
What drew you to the department?
I had unknowingly been filling up my schedule with classes that fit into the major only for Dr. Berry to inform me this year that I was one class away from completing it! I think this came about as a result of my love for so many of the professors who have classes cross-listed in the department. The more I took of their classes, the closer I got to a concentration without even knowing it.
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The diversity of the classes that fit under the American Studies concentration mean there’s never a dull moment! I love English, Political Science, and History and the American Studies concentration has made it so that all of my special interest classes in these categories get to count towards something I can concretely put on my resume!
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
My sophomore seminar Social Justice Through Art allowed me to take a break from my dense social sciences classes and gave me reason to keep pursuing some of my creative hobbies that I enjoy in my free time. I got to explore some art history as it relates to my interest in social justice, create art on the subject, and share a class with a professor and host of peers who I never would have shared a course with otherwise!
What is your favorite thing about K?
I think my favorite thing about K might be the physical environment. I never get tired of walking through this pretty campus and spending time sitting outside in one of our many beautiful spaces!
What is your Senior Integrated Project [SIP]?
My SIP is a political science study of The Hunger Games series, which uses the books as texts of political theory to comment on the state of socioeconomic stratification in the U.S. and the power of community and empathy to combat that and raise political consciousness.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I will likely take a gap year after K to work in local journalism of some sort and raise some money to fund my move to Washington, D.C. where I would like to work in political journalism. At some point in the future, I will likely get a master’s degree in journalism, but first I would like to build my journalistic resume!