American Studies Field Group

At Pitzer College, Field Groups (similar to a discipline or department) organize major requirements and courses.

The American Studies Program is coordinated by an intercollegiate faculty whose aim is to introduce students to the complexity of the American experience. Majors take courses in a variety of disciplines such as literature, history, ethnic studies, sociology, anthropology, political science, music, and the visual arts. 

In addition, majors take multidisciplinary courses that use materials from different disciplines to explore a particular issue in American life. The interdisciplinary approach to this major affords the student many career choices:

• Graduate studies
• Professions of law
• Library science
• Journalism
• Business 
• Museum curatorship

Department Goals & Objectives

1. Students gain knowledge of the histories and cultures of the United States.
2. Students gain an understanding of a wide range of methods across the disciplines.
3. Students learn how to analyze a wide range of evidence (e.g., written texts, films, paintings, musical compositions, etc.).
4. Students learn how to carry on research in American Studies effectively.
5. Students learn how to communicate effectively about the histories and cultures of the United States in both written and oral forms.
6. Students attain the skills and knowledge necessary for graduate study or a career in American Studies or a related field.