American Studies, B.A.

Explore American life as a whole, rather than from the perspective of a single academic discipline.

American Studies offers a broad-ranging curriculum examining history and culture, society, national identity, communities and ideologies that have shaped our great nation.

You take classes in a number of areas to build a complex understanding of America through in-depth examinations of the influences of the past and the contexts of the present.

Required courses include American history, literature, religion, economics and government.

Additional courses are selected from a variety of subject areas, including sociology, political science, Latin American studies, African American studies, human and community services and mass communication.

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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in American Studies degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Major Requirements

American Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to studying American culture and history, challenging students to think about American culture as a whole, rather than from the perspective of a single academic discipline. The combination of courses in the American Studies curriculum fosters critical thinking and writing skills, develops the ability to synthesize information, and encourages a greater understanding of self and society. The American Studies major earns a B.A. degree.

Core Curriculum Requirements (55-62 Hours)

The Core Curriculum
Technical Requirements (3 Hours)
- ENG 230 - Exploring Literature
Major Requirements (39 Hours)
Choose 2 Courses from the Following List
Choose One from the Following
- ENG course with African-American focus
- HUM or HSB with African-American focus
- HCS 250G - Multicultural Perspectives
- HIS 208G - The Modern Developing World
- PHI 320 - African-American Philosophy
- SPA 332 - Cult. & Civ of Lat American Hours: 3
- SPA 353 - Latin American Literature to 1888 Hours: 3
- SPA 354 - Latin American Lit 1888-Present Hours: 3
Additional Major Electives (12 Hours)

(Any course not taken from the above list or any of the following or special topics courses, with approval of the program coordinator) for a minimum of 12 credit hours:
- COM 120 - Communication Appreciation Hours: 3
- CRJ 260 - Introduction to Criminal Justice
- ECO 221 - History of Economic Thought
- ECO 322 - Government and Business
- HIS 248 - North Carolina
- POL 331 - American Foreign Policy
- POL 420 - Selected Topics in American Politics
- SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 200 - Social Problems
- SOC 317 - Social Stratification
General Elective Credits

(If Needed)
Total Credit Hours (Minimum) 128

On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific core curriculum requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.

All Bachelors programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 128 credit hours. If, in combination, core, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 128 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 128 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.

Learning Inside & Outside the Classroom

Future employers and post-graduate schools will look at your entire undergraduate work both inside and outside the classroom. Take full advantage of all opportunities that are available to you at LR, including research, study abroad, internships, student clubs and organizations.

Why Major in American Studies?

An American Studies degree allows you to expand your knowledge of literature, economics, history, political science, sociology, theology, philosophy and fine arts.

If you are interested in history and enjoy thinking about the social and ideological aspects of American culture, this degree will allow you to understand how we fit into the global society.
Careers & Graduate School

Like other liberal arts degrees, American Studies equips you with the critical thinking, writing and other skills necessary for many career paths as well as a well-rounded life.

Graduates of American Studies programs go on to graduate programs or careers in a variety of fields, including law, social work, public history, government, journalism, business, advocacy, museum work, professional writing and teaching.
Outside the Classroom

We understand that education goes beyond our university campus. We offer many opportunities for you to expand your learning and get connected with peers.

As a student you have an opportunity to complete an internship, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in class and gain real-world experience. We work in partnership with local companies and organizations to provide opportunities for you to learn and collaborate with professionals in the field.

LR’s study abroad programs in Latin American and our Washington Semester program are designed for students with interests in practically any academic area.

Program Contact

Julie Voss, Ph.D.

Professor
625 7th Ave NE, LRU 7214
Hickory, NC 28601

Faculty Page

News & Events

A farewell to LR’s “Mama Bear”

After more than two decades at LR, Dean Katie Fisher will retire at the end of May 2023. Known for her caring but firm leadership, she has influenced the culture of student life on campus and influenced individual students' lives in immeasurable ways.

Recognizing retirees for service to university, students

Alongside the class of 2023, at the close of this academic year, Lenoir-Rhyne bids farewell to seven faculty members whose decades of service to the university have left an immeasurable impact.

June 21 All Day / Lenoir-Rhyne University - Hickory

The Charge: New Student Orientation

June 22 All Day / Lenoir-Rhyne University - Hickory