Associate Professor Beth Capo/Coordinator

American Studies at Illinois College is an interdisciplinary program with a strong experiential component intended for students with interests in American history, culture, and literature.  Through their courses in the humanities and the social and natural sciences, internships, and performance, students will increase their knowledge and enhance their understanding of the American experience, broadly conceived, and of ‘American’ values and culture.
 
Because Illinois College has its own regional and local history and culture, students are encouraged to do first-hand research on such topics as IC’s connections with religious and antislavery movements, the Underground Railroad, Illinois and the Midwest during the antebellum and Civil War period, and Abraham Lincoln.
 
Internships are available in numerous Illinois State agencies and museums, the Washington Center in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere.  Students select internships in consultation with their advisors and the College’s office of career services.

Requirements for a Major or Minor in American Studies

To major in American Studies, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits in the following courses with grades of ‘C’ or above: AST 201 (Introduction to American Studies); AST 405 (Internship); AST 420 (Senior Seminar); and at least 28 credits in electives.  Students take electives in at least three of five areas: history, literature, humanities and the fine arts, social science, and natural science.  At least 16 elective credits must be at the 300-level or above.  Students may earn up to 4 credits in AST 290 (Research in American Studies), and 4 credits in AST 411 or 412 (Independent Study) in the place of electives.

To minor in American Studies, students must complete a minimum of 20 credits in the following courses with grades of ‘C’ or above: AST 201 (Introduction to American Studies); and at least 16 credits in elective courses.  Students take electives in at least three of five areas: history, literature, humanities and the fine arts, social science, and natural science.  At least 8 elective credits must be at the 300-level or above.  Students may earn up to 4 credits in AST 290 (Research in American Studies) and 4 credits in AST 411 or 412 (Independent Study) in the place of electives.

Students select courses and internships for their majors or minors in consultation with the program coordinator.  Upon recommendation of the program coordinator, and with the approval of the American Studies committee, individual requirements for a minor or major may be adjusted to meet the special interests or needs of a student.
 
Courses in American Studies (AST)

AST 201 Introduction to American Studies (4)
Examines different aspects of ‘American’ culture and different expressions of ‘American’ values.  Introduces students to primary sources, recent research, and scholarly issues in the field of American Studies.  Previous college course work in American history or literature is recommended.  Sophomore standing or the consent of the program coordinator is required.

AST 290 Research in American Studies (3-4)
Independent research on a suitable topic in American Studies.  Prerequisite AST 201.  Permission of instructor required for enrollment.  Offered on demand. 
AST 405 Internship in American Studies (4)Students explore (or some cases represent) particular aspects of American culture or history in a work-study setting.  Advance approval by the program coordinator is required.

AST 405 Internship in American Studies (4)
Students explore (or some cases represent) particular aspects of American culture or history in a work-study setting. Advance approval by the program coordinator is required.

AST 411, 412  Independent Study (4, 4)Independent reading or study in an area of particular interest to the student.   Permission of instructor required for enrollment.  Offered on demand.

AST 420 Senior Seminar (4)Advanced readings and focused research on topics within the field of American Studies. Includes a final project culminating in a public performance or lecture.
 
Elective Courses

There are many courses which may count as elective for a major or minor in American Studies. Advisors and the program coordinator have current listings of these courses. Courses at the 100-level do not count as electives for the major or minor.

   

 

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