Majors and Minors
American Studies
American studies examines the American experiment from an interdisciplinary perspective, based on the liberal arts and sciences. It incorporates the study of economics, history, literature, art, the media, film, urban studies and women’s studies, among other fields. Students read deeply in these areas, and through research learn to think and write critically about the nature of American life.
We offer a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies with a major in American studies, as well as a minor in American studies. American studies majors complete common core courses, and then choose electives within the following three concentrations:
- Constitutional studies
- Humanities
- Social sciences
You can also minor in American studies.
Sample Courses
This course explores the constitutional, historical, political, sociological and economic implications of selected landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases as a means of gaining greater understanding of the Constitution and its significance in everyday life. Topics include the role of the judiciary, the powers of the federal government, race, religion, abortion and economic rights. The course is designed for students who are considering law school and serves as an introduction to the constitutional studies concentration.
A critical evaluation of the American experiment through the lens of the global community that asks what it means to be an American in an increasingly global world. Students explore post-colonial world views of a number of influential philosophers, scholars, leaders, and policy makers on America’s life, culture, and place in the world. Topics may include global rights and duties, resource scarcity, cultural imperialism, public health, and the clash of liberalism with fundamentalism.
A study of the workings of the American economy using selections from literature. Course readings will include excerpts and short works by authors including Frost, Steinbeck and others. Topics to be covered include supply and demand, capitalism, income inequality, public goods and government regulation, and labor markets.
This course examines the art of appellate argument in the United States judicial system. Appellate argument requires many skills, including analyzing case law, identification of logical fallacies, internalizing a complex set of facts, argument construction and organization, brief writing, oral presentation, and impromptu responses to public questioning. Utilizing the American Collegiate Moot Court Association Annual Problem, students will complete a complex set of tasks, which will culminate in a simulated oral argument and appellate brief.
Leadership Studies
The human social experience has always involved leadership. No matter your major or path in life, the process of leading and following will be present. Studying leadership will help you develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to participate meaningfully in the leadership process in any setting.
The minor in leadership studies is open to all students and is an integral part of the President’s Leadership Program. Additionally, we offer a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies with a major in Leadership studies. Leadership studies majors complete common core courses and then choose electives within the field. Both the major and the minor offer theoretical and practical approaches to becoming a successful leader and follower in your chosen profession and the larger society.
Sample Courses
This interactive course introduces you to the role of self and group in the leadership process. Through academic study, personal assessment, in-class activities and assignments, you’ll learn how personal development impacts leadership capabilities, the importance of self understanding to effective leadership, and the relationship between self identity and group process. In addition to self-study, you will study group development, group think and the effect of power and communication styles in group dynamics.
This course provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the field of leadership studies. Social scientific approaches to the study of leadership will be considered, with a focus on the application of theory to practice. The influence of the humanities and the natural sciences on the study of leadership will also be considered. Contemporary trends, topics and debates will be explored, along with traditional approaches to the study of leadership.
In attempting to understand leadership in the 21st century, one cannot ignore the insights and practices of significant figures from the past. This course is designed to introduce students to some of the most influential historical leaders and thinkers from throughout the world and to examine how their lessons in leadership may or may not be applicable to current leadership issues. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will study leaders acting in multiple contexts to understand how the contemporary and immediate situational factors influence leadership behavior.
This course examines the paradigm of values leadership as a theory and a philosophy. To understand the values leadership concept as a whole, various components will be explored, such as types and sources of values, value patterning, modeling, creating a values culture, follower empowerment, and complexities of practicing values-based leadership. Also examined are the ethical behavior and moral responsibilities of leaders and followers. As the culminating course of the leadership studies minor, students will conclude with a reflective integration of their learning and development across courses completed for the minor.