University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
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American Studies

Undergraduate Study: Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Minor in American Studies.

Website: http://www.hawaii.edu/amst/undergrad.htm

The Academic Program  

Since its inception in the 1930s, American studies has offered an integrated multidisciplinary exploration of the historical and contemporary American experience. This involves the study of American popular and high culture; environmental issues; institutional structures, including political and economic institutions; systems of thought and belief; and gender, ethnic, racial, and cross-cultural relationships. A combination of historical, literary, social-scientific, and other methodological approaches is used. In addition to such traditional aims, American studies at the UHM also explores the role of Hawai‘i, the Pacific, Asia, and, to a lesser extent, other parts of the world within the American experience, an objective that imparts a cross-cultural dimension to its program and differentiates it significantly from most other programs in the field.

At the undergraduate level, American studies offers a balanced general education experience, as well as excellent preparation for both advanced study in the field and professional studies ranging from law to travel industry management.

Major-Related Skills

In addition to discipline specific content, American studies majors have the ability to:

  • analyze situations from multiple viewpoints.
  • communicate diplomatically and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • understand that all people and ideas have value and interconnectedness.
  • view the world from the perspective of other individuals and other cultures.
  • understand and be sensitive to a community’s needs.
  • relate to others from varying backgrounds.  

    Declaring American Studies as a major

    Click here for a form-fillable major declaration form.  Complete the first page of the Declaration of Major form and print two copies. Make an appointment with a faculty advisor in the American Studies Department to discuss your interests, major requirements, and course selection.  The advisor will complete the second page of the form.  Two copies of the completed form should then be turned in to the service counter for Arts & Sciences Student Academic Services.
    Note:  Click here if you are adding a second major - you will need to use a declaration of major form that has not been pre-filled to declare American Studies as your first major.  Click here for concurrent degree requests (i.e., between A&S and another college or different degree programs within A&S, such as concurrent BA and BS degrees).


    Created by Lynne Higa, Michael Kirk-Kuwaye

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