American Studies (AMST)

Fall and Spring; Various Faculty. Note: Topics change each semester; see course list in PATH. These seminars explore specific areas, themes, or critical issues in American Studies. If there is no duplication of topic, may be repeated for credit.

Fall; Staff. This course is required of all entering graduate students in American Studies. In this reading- and writing-intensive seminar, students encounter both current and classic works of the field. They will acquaint themselves with a wide array of interdisciplinary approaches, focusing on both critical theory and practical application in research. M.A.-only and M.A./Ph.D. students will produce material for the first iterations of the Master’s thesis or portfolio, while Ph.D. students will produce the first outline of their comprehensive fields or alternatively, a dissertation topic. The course also provides training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research, including discussions of fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism. May be repeated for credit with permission from Instructor and Grad Director.

Spring; Staff. This course investigates both practical and theoretical issues relevant for American Studies in and outside the academy. The class offers students strategic approaches to areas critical for successful careers, areas such as planning long term research, writing grant applications, conference planning, and honing classroom teaching skills. As well, we explore pertinent issues that influence American Studies today: the university system, public culture, and professionalism. The course features the regular participation of guests from American Studies and outside the program.

Fall and Spring; Various Faculty. A program of extensive reading, writing and discussion in a special area of American Studies for MA level students. Students accepted for this course will arrange their program of study with an appropriate faculty advisor. This course may be repeated for credit if there is no duplication of topic. Permission of the Program Director is required.

Fall and Spring; Graded Pass/Fail. Note: Students who are not submitting a master's thesis may not use this course to satisfy degree requirements. Students design and conduct research in support of their master’s thesis under the direction of a faculty advisor. This course may be repeated, but no more than 9 semester credit hours may be used to satisfy degree requirements for submitting a master’s thesis.

Fall and Spring; Note: Students who are not submitting a master’s thesis may not use this course to satisfy degree requirements. Grade of either G or U converts to P upon successful completion of a defense and submission and acceptance of the thesis [700]. Students finish the research for and the writing of their master’s thesis under the direction of a faculty advisor. This course may be repeated, but no more than 6 semester credit hours may be used to satisfy degree requirements for a master

Fall and Spring; Various Faculty. Note: Topics change each semester; see course list in PATH. These seminars explore specific areas, themes, or critical issues in American Studies. This course may be repeated for credit when topic differs. Open only to candidates for advanced degrees.

Fall and Spring; Staff. Graded Pass/Fail. No credits earned in this course may be applied to the number of credits required to satisfy graduate degree requirements. This course may be repeated.

Fall and Spring; Various Faculty. A program of extensive reading, writing and discussion in a special area of American Studies for Ph.D. level students. Students accepted for this course will arrange their program of study with an appropriate faculty advisor. This course may be repeated for credit if there is no duplication of topic. Permission of the Program Director is required.

Fall and Spring; Graded Pass/Fail. Students design and conduct research in support of their dissertation under the direction of a faculty advisor. This course may be repeated, but no more than 12 semester credit hours may be used to satisfy degree requirements for a student submitting a dissertation. Students who are not submitting a dissertation may not use this course to satisfy degree requirements.

Fall and Spring; Staff. Note: Grade of either G or U converts to P upon successful completion of a defense and submission and acceptance of the dissertation. Students finish the research for and the writing of their dissertation under the direction of a faculty advisor. Students who are not submitting a dissertation may not use this course to satisfy degree requirements. This course may be repeated, but no more than 24 semester credit hours may be used to satisfy degree requirements for a doctorate (only).