AMERICAN STUDIES

American Studies

AT A GLANCE

Major icon MAJOR

The American Studies program at AMU is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on the foundational principles that gave birth to the American republic. By studying a myriad of primary sources from the time of the Founding Fathers to contemporary history and literature, you’ll uncover what motivates American culture, politics and society.

Careers: History Teacher, Social Studies Teacher, Political Philosophy, Public Office

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FROM BEGINNING TO END

In our American Studies course, you’ll draw from the disciplines of politics, history and literature to discover the extent, aim, end and structure of America’s constitutional republic. From primary documents, constitutional law and political philosophy, you’ll also dive into America’s political principles and the extra-political, cultural institutions that are part of its founding.

light bulbFast Fact: With a firm grasp of our founding principles, students confront relevant issues like the role of religion in government.

EXPLORE the OPPORTUNITY

American Studies

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Skills you will gain with

AN AMERICAN STUDIES DEGREE

  1. A fundamental understanding of the principles that formed, directed and currently influence our national structure and policy.
  2. Critical thinking in the context of American History, allowing you to not only understand and talk about our national history but also to learn from it.
  3. A deep knowledge of American cultural history, including the literature and thought that developed the national consciousness, and formed what it means to be “American.”
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A look into the

AMERICAN STUDIES PROGRAM

MICHAEL BREIDENBACH, PH.D.

Associate Professor of History
Office: Henkels 2014A
Education: B.A., American Studies & History, Northwestern University; M. Phil, Political Thought & Intellectual History, University of Cambridge; Ph.D., History, University of Cambridge

PAUL BAXA, PH.D.

PROFESSOR OF HISTORY

Paul BaxaEducation: B.A., History, York University; M.A., History, University of Toronto; Ph.D., History, University of Toronto
Office: Henkels 2019
Email: 
paul.baxa@avemaria.edu
Phone: 
(239) 280-1661

John Colman, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Politics

colmanEducation: B.A., Political Science, Carleton University; M.A., Political Science, Carleton University; Ph.D., Political Science, Boston College
Office: Thomas Student Union 2007B
Email: john.colman@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1609

KIRSTEN HALL, PH.D.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF LITERATURE, DIRECTOR OF THE LITERATURE PROGRAM

Kirsten HallEducation: B.A., English, Hillsdale College; M.A., English, University of Texas at Austin; Ph.D., English, University of Texas at Austin
Office: Henkels 2047
Email: 
kirsten.hall@avemaria.edu
Phone: 
(239) 304-7959

JAMES PATTERSON, PH.D.

CHAIR OF THE POLITICS DEPARTMENT, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF POLITICS

James PattersonEducation: B.A., Political Science, University of Houston; M.A., Politics, University of Virginia; Ph.D., Politics, University of Virginia
Office: Henkels 2055
Email: 
james.patterson@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7365

SEANA SUGRUE, D.C.L.

AMBASSADOR MICHAEL NOVAK CHAIR OF POLITICS, PROFESSOR OF POLITICS

Seana SugrueEducation: B.B.A., Business Administration, Bishop’s University; LL.B., Law, University of Ottawa; LL.M., Law, McGill University; D.C.L., Civil Law, McGill University
Office: Henkels 3054
Email: 
seana.sugrue@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1625

Required Courses for the Major:

  • LITR 230 Survey of American Literature or any other Literature course dealing with American literature
  • POLT 203 American Civilization (Core Curriculum Requirement)
  • POLT 301 American Government
  • POLT 304 Constitutional Law
  • POLT 320 American Political Thought
  • POLT 490 Senior Seminar
  • Any two American history courses (in addition to POLT 203 American Civilization)

Two Electives in American Studies which may include:

  • POLT 305 Public Policy
  • POLT 311 Entrepreneurship and Civil Society
  • POLT 314 U.S. Foreign Policy

*With program director’s approval, elective courses can be taken in any department where those courses have substantial context related to American Studies.

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CAREER SERVICES

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Catholic Culture

The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.

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CORE CURRICULUM

With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.

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Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.

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