Support the ProgramAmerican Studies at Miami University
About Us
The American Studies curriculum provides a critical perspective on "American" culture from a variety of vantage points. Students are encouraged to make connections between a range of disciplinary fields including art, anthropology, architecture, communication, comparative religion, economics, English, geography, history, music, philosophy, political science, sociology, and theater.
They can also draw from established interdisciplinary programs including Black world studies, film studies, Jewish studies, international studies, Latin American studies, and women's studies.
In addition, students have the opportunity to explore alternative interdisciplinary approaches to American culture including African American studies, Asian American studies, ethnic studies, film and media studies, gay and lesbian studies, gender studies, Latino/a studies, Native American Studies, material culture studies, popular culture studies, and urban studies.
Message from the Director
"Hearing the reflections of our alumni has been especially meaningful for me. It has been incredible to learn about our alumni successes in law, business, government, media, urban planning, journalism, academics, among a range of other fields."
[Read more of the director's message.]
Mission
We are committed to offering teaching and scholarship of the highest quality, which explores the ongoing dialogue about America as a nation and an ideal.
[Read our mission statement.]
History
The American Studies major at Miami began in 1944 as an Interdepartmental Field of Concentration in American Civilization. In 1964, a formal program in American Studies was established with a curriuculum based on the interdisciplinary intellectual history model developed at the 1957 American Studies Conference in Washington D.C. Over the past 38 years the strength of the program has extended from the dynamism and intellectual energy of a series of noted scholars who have served as directors of the program.
[Learn more about our history.]