Why Learn American Studies at K?
As people living within the United States, we may not be fully aware of the nuances of American tradition as it is so ingrained in our daily lives. Concentrating in American Studies at K gives you the chance to critically reflect on the U.S.’s culture, politics and history.
As an American studies student, you will draw upon multiple disciplines—such as history, literature, psychology, sociology, political science, religion, art and music—to learn about the U.S.’s complicated history, culture and government.
You will gain this knowledge through courses in history (e.g., Unsettling Colonial America), literature and fine arts (e.g., American Realisms: U.S. Literature 1865-1914), politics (e.g., United States Foreign Policy), and society (e.g., Religion and Masculinity in the U.S.). In these classes, you will learn how to trace the evolution of American culture and politics over time and uncover how different the American experience is for folks across racial, gender and class lines.
Having a better understanding of American history, culture and systems will give you the context and knowledge to better navigate your life and career within the States. Notably, our alumni have been able to utilize their American Studies concentration throughout their careers as lawyers, historians, writers and policymakers.
What can you do with an American studies concentration?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our American studies alumni.
Careers
- Legislative Aid
- Attorney
- Librarian
- Campaign Manager
Employers
- Wisconsin Historical Society
- AmeriCorps
- Archives of Michigan
- The New York Times
Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- University of Southern California
- Wayne State University
- Harvard University
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Hunter Anderson
(He/Him)
Major: History
Concentration: American Studies
What drew you to the department?
My area of study, getting a better understanding of America’s history and being able to understand history through a more inter disciplined approach such as understanding decisions from a political science view to a citizen’s view.
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The opportunities to understand the county I live in at a deeper level are abundant.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
While other classes may not align with where I want to study, it does offer me new perspectives when looking at the same historical problems. For example, looking at Ancient China or Astronomy may not align with German Americans, but it does illustrate different perspectives and asks different questions I can apply to a German American context.
What is your favorite thing about K?
The connections offered and opportunities to advance my career. I have met a ton of people interested in sharing their knowledge and helping students further their passions which has helped me a ton.
What is your Senior Integrated Project [SIP]?
German American identity formation in Milwaukee around the 1880s.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After working to earn some money for living I intend to go to graduate school. My dream career is to be a history professor at a community college.