Bachelor of Arts/General Studies in American Studies

Program Overview

The American Studies degree at the University of Kansas offers students an interdisciplinary way to understand the ideas, histories, conflicts, and cultural forces that shape life in the United States. Available as both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.), this program invites students to examine American culture from multiple perspectives while building analytical, research, and communication skills valued across many professions. Rather than studying the United States through a single academic lens, students explore how social, political, artistic, and historical forces intersect to influence American identities and institutions.

At its core, the American Studies program emphasizes critical inquiry into how power, identity, and culture operate in everyday life. Students analyze the United States within both national and global contexts, considering how American ideas circulate across borders and how global forces shape domestic experiences. Coursework addresses themes such as race, gender, ethnicity, class, religion, region, age, and sexuality, encouraging students to think deeply about inclusion, inequality, and representation. This approach allows students in the American Studies major to connect historical events to contemporary debates and lived experiences.

One defining feature of the American Studies degree is its interdisciplinary structure. Students draw from fields such as history, literature, sociology, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, media studies, and popular culture. By synthesizing methods and perspectives from multiple disciplines, students learn how knowledge is produced, challenged, and reshaped over time. This flexibility allows students to tailor the program to their academic interests while still gaining a cohesive understanding of American society.

Social justice and civic engagement are central to the American Studies program at KU. Students are encouraged to examine how cultural narratives influence public policy, community dynamics, and social movements. Courses and experiential learning opportunities challenge students to consider ethical responsibility, equity, and the role of individuals and institutions in shaping social change. This focus prepares graduates to participate thoughtfully in civic life and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Experiential learning plays an important role in the American Studies degree. Students may pursue internships, independent research, service-learning projects, and study abroad experiences that allow them to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings. These opportunities help students develop professional skills while deepening their understanding of how academic knowledge connects to public life, work environments, and community engagement.