American Studies (AMST)

Introduction to graduate work in American Studies through exploration of the approaches, materials, and interpretations of the field.

A variable-content course, addressed each term to a specific problem, topic, or period in American culture.

Studies exploring the relationship between literature and culture in American Studies.

Exploration of a number of books which have been particularly influential in shaping thinking about American civilization.

A detailed exploration of aspects of American popular culture, including popular culture's relationship to society and scholarship.

This is an advanced topics seminar in folklore studies. It will provide students with a command of the research literature in a specific area of folklore research, based on the topic defined by the instructor.

Investigation of American material culture and folklife, including topics such as traditional design, cultural landscape, architecture, art, craft and food.

Detailed investigation of specific topics in eighteenth-century American civilization.

Representative interdisciplinary investigation of social, historical, economic, and aesthetic forces predominant in nineteenth-century America.

Detailed investigation of specific periods or topics in twentieth-century American civilization.

Detailed investigation of specific topics in twenty-first century American civilization.

An advanced course on ethnographic theories, methods, and case studies, emphasizing current controversies and new strategies in field work.

Applied widely across the humanities and social sciences, ethnographic approaches to the study of culture encompass a wide variety of qualitative research methods that range from intimate personal interviews to participation in large group events. This seminar presents a detailed study of how the integration of technologies into the fabric of everyday life in the United State has both enabled the creation of new cultural forms and redefined existing social and cultural life. Students will engage with foundational and emerging works that apply the theories and methods of ethnography to the close study of technology and media use and culture, as well as works that demonstrate how emerging technologies may be applied in ethnographic research. In addition to presenting the relevant literature, this seminar will provide students with rigorous training in the requisite skills and concepts that define ethnographic practice, and offer opportunities for students to apply these skills and concepts to produce significant field research. Examples of technological forms considered could include video games, 3D printing and maker technologies, genetic technologies, mobile phones and devices, and a variety of internet technologies.

A study of the ways Americans use and understand heritage in public settings.

Detailed investigation of local and regional historical themes and topics, emphasizing research methods.

Studies exploring issues of race and ethnicity in America that can be addressed with theories and methods of American Studies.

Thematic study of gender issues in American history and culture.

Contrary to notions about the secularization of American society, a large number of Americans continue to report that religion plays an important role in their everyday lives. At the same time, changing demographic, political, and cultural environments in the United States have contributed to a massive reorganization of the American religious landscape since 1970. Thus religion, it seems, is a timely issue in the study of American culture, one which will doubtless open up new avenues of American Studies research in the future. This seminar is a detailed study of aspects of religious history and culture in the United States. It will offer students an overview of the current engagement of American Studies with the study of religion and ask students to consider new pathways in this research for the future.

Various themes within the American arts will be explored under this rubric.

A supervised museum internship experience featuring a "hands on" introduction into aspects of the curatorial profession.

Directed readings in selected areas of American Studies. AM ST 579 Readings in American Studies (3-9)This course will cover major readings in a selected area of American Studies. The readings are designed to represent past and current scholarship in an area of research undertaken by a student or students. The selection of readings will be directed by a faculty member in consultation with the student(s). The readings typically cover areas that are not covered in depth within other American Studies offerings. Outcomes of the course include historiographies and theoretical essays, annotated bibliographies, and book reviews.

Independent exploration within American Studies; evidenced by major paper, film, exhibition or specialized examination.

Continuing seminars which consist of a series of individual lectures by faculty, students, or outside speakers.

An advanced seminar covering particular themes and issues in American Studies.

Supervised off-campus, nongroup instruction, including field experiences, practicums, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required.

Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently; several different topics may be taught in one year or semester.

A thesis supervised by the American Studies Program.

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Supervised experience in teaching and orientation to other selected aspects of the profession at The Pennsylvania State University.

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