American Cultural Studies, BA

American Cultural Studies Program, University Interdisciplinary Programs

74-80 Credits

Introduction

American Cultural Studies allows students and faculty to analyze power dynamics, inequality, and agency, at the intersection of race, gender, status, religion, class, and ability. Our courses place particular emphasis on minoritizing and other exclusionary practices shaping limits to national belonging, and how those experiences are lived. We pay attention to the roles of institutions, policies, discourse, and other socio-cultural processes. We educate students in historical and social inquiry, textual analysis and interpretation, and critical theory and practice. We expose students to theoretical foundations in Settler Colonialism, Queer and other Feminisms, Critical Race Theory, Borders, and Transnationalism.

ACS serves those students and faculty who are interested in the study of such processes. The program allows students the opportunity to study issues that are key to nation building as an unequal social process. The program draws on the rich curricular offerings of the various departments and colleges within the university.

Why Consider an American Cultural Studies Major?

Students who want a liberal arts education of breadth and depth will find that, because of its flexibility, the program adapts well to their needs. The ACS major combines the social sciences with humanities to prepare students with a rich undergraduate background for advanced study in law, domestic social services, public service, government service, education, and graduate work in American studies, ethnic studies and the social sciences.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

A formal program of study is initially designed by the student in consultation with a member of the American Cultural Studies faculty. The program is then approved by the Director of American Cultural Studies. No program of study may substantially duplicate an existing departmental or college program. Ordinarily, final approval of the course of study must be granted before senior status is reached.

The student may propose a broad, general program in American Cultural Studies, social science or education concentrations, or focus on one major aspect, for example: ethnic studies, sexuality, myth and folklore or Pacific Northwest studies. In any case, the proposed program must include substantial upper-division work in at least two curricular units of the University. These may include Fairhaven College or the College of the Environment.

The faculty recommends that students use a minor to develop special career interests or foci (see, for example, the Asian American Studies minor), or to develop additional depth in one of the traditional academic disciplines or programs of the University.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.