BA in American Studies in Washington United States | Georgetown University

Georgetown University's American Studies Program features an interdisciplinary major that prompts students to explore fundamental questions about power, identity, history, and U.S. culture. The curriculum establishes a robust foundation of classes that foster innovative perspectives on the stories and concepts shaping the nation. While analyzing American values like democracy and equality, students also investigate how disparities and tensions test these principles. The program examines how cultural expressions—from artworks and entertainment to social movements and elections—both mirror and shape societal developments. Coursework might explore how 1700s portraiture reflected political rifts, how 1800s pulp fiction subverted gender and class norms, or how modern music engages with racial dynamics. Beyond core American Studies classes, learners customize their academic journey by selecting courses from allied disciplines such as History, Art, English, Music, Sociology, Government, and Philosophy. The program concludes with a yearlong senior thesis, where faculty advisors help students produce sophisticated analyses that may take traditional written form or creative multimedia formats.

With its intimate scale and emphasis on interactive learning, the program fosters tight-knit cohorts through discussion-based classes and experiential opportunities. Enriching activities like museum visits, guest lectures, and social gatherings strengthen these connections. Past excursions have featured Thomas Cole exhibitions at the Met, Baltimore neighborhood tours, and Richmond historical sites. The yearly Richardson Lecture invites prominent authors, academics, and creatives to campus, with dedicated student discussion sessions accompanying each visit.

This major particularly suits self-directed, interdisciplinary thinkers seeking comprehensive understanding of America's social, historical, material, and artistic dimensions. Its adaptable structure empowers students to chart personalized academic paths while benefiting from collaborative faculty and peer support. Off-campus explorations and campus programming cultivate the vibrant intellectual community that enriches every participant's educational journey.