Program of Study (CAS Bulletin)

American Studies (2022 - 2024)

Major

The American studies major requires nine 4-point courses (36 points) completed with a grade of C or better.

Two introductory courses—may be taken in either order:

  • Social and Cultural Analysis 101 (SCA-UA 101)
  • One of the following:
    • Approaches to American Studies (SCA-UA 201)
    • Intersections: Race, Gender, and Sexuality in U.S. History (SCA-UA 230)

Six elective courses:

  • Six designated American studies courses, four of which must be taught by SCA faculty.
  • SCA Theory and Practice: The Internship Program (SCA-UA 42) is no longer required but is highly recommended and can count as an elective.

One research course:

  • Advanced Research Seminar (SCA-UA 90)

Minor

Five 4-point courses (20 points) completed with a grade of C or better are required for the minor in American studies. Students must take either Approaches to American Studies (SCA-UA 201) or Intersections: Race, Gender, and Sexuality in U.S. History (SCA-UA 230), plus four designated American studies electives taught by SCA faculty.

Language and Linguistic Competency

The type of rigorous intercultural study promoted within the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis requires students to recognize the complex modes of communication at work both within and across different social groups. The department therefore strongly encourages its students to develop advanced skills in language and linguistics by any of the following means: taking elective courses in sociolinguistics; studying a language other than English beyond the minimum level required by the College of Arts and Science; studying languages especially germane to the department's fields of study; pursuing community-based internship fieldwork necessitating the development and use of specific language skills; or undertaking study or research away in contexts entailing the exercise of key language or linguistic capabilities.

Policy on Double Counting of Courses

Majors may share (double count) two courses with a second major, with permission from the other department/program.

Minors may share (double count) one course with a major or a second minor, with permission from the other department/program.

Honors Program

Majors who have completed 48 points of graded work in CAS and have a 3.65 GPA or higher (overall and in the major) are encouraged to register for Senior Honors Seminar (SCA-UA 92) in the fall semester of their senior year. Upon successful completion of the seminar requirement, students will be eligible to register for Senior Honors Thesis (SCA-UA 93) in the spring. Information about honors can be found at www.sca.as.nyu.edu/object/sca.related.honors.