Undergraduate Degree in American Studies Students in the American Studies major analyze the society, culture, and politics of the United States from an interdisciplinary perspective that draws on history, cultural analysis, art and architecture, public policy, and folklore studies. Students may choose to major or minor in American Studies. In either case, they are introduced to key concepts in the analysis of culture and society through a set of core courses. In addition, students develop an expertise in one of three areas of concentration: Power, Identity, and Difference investigates the history, construction, and power of social categories and identities, including those based on race, ethnicity, class gender, and sexuality The Built Environment and Urban/Regional Spaces focuses on the way Americans relate to their environment and how buildings and artifacts are employed to create various cultural landscapes, especially in an urban setting Cultural Analysis explores cultural forms and their audiences, including mass media and popular culture, literary texts, visual arts, social practices, and museum exhibits The program culminates in a senior research seminar that requires students to produce a substantial paper based on independent research in primary sources. Open or print this link to the Undergraduate Handbook in American Studies for a detailed outline of the guidelines for completing a major or minor degree in this field. Current GW students wishing to declare a major or minor in American Studies should contact the undergraduate advisor in American Studies, Professor Kip Kosek at kosek@gwu.edu. Prospective GW students should visit Undergraduate Admissions for all information and application materials.   Return to Top of Page