American Studies

About the major

American Studies is a unique field that examines the history, culture, society, laws, foreign policy and politics of the US. Units examine the US's evolution and why it is a dominant cultural and political force in the 21st century. From the study of America's government to its popular culture, you will be challenged to think creatively about the construction and meaning of American identity and power, while developing analytic and research skills that span the humanities and social sciences.

An American Studies major will give you broad, multi-faceted knowledge of this complex, diverse and dynamic nation and its relationship with the broader world. You will analyse the US using a variety of different approaches. In addition to core American Studies units, you can take cross-listed units of study from the Disciplines of English, History, Gender and Cultural Studies, and Government and International Relations. With such a diversity of perspectives, an American Studies major is a unique opportunity to learn a variety of disciplinary approaches and methodologies.

Undertaking a major in American Studies will give you access to the widest range of US-focused units of study and to the largest concentration of academics working on the US, of any university in Australia.

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.

Requirements for completion

Requirements for the major and minor in American Studies are listed in the American Studies unit of study table.

Honours

Upon completing a bachelor’s degree, students can pursue a year-long research program that involves the production of an 18,000-20,000 word thesis. Previous honours students have researched such diverse subjects as: voting behaviour and inequality, labour relations in the NFL, political memes, Hollywood bromances, race and fashion, third wave feminism and zines, and the US-led occupation of Iraq.

As part of Honours, students attend two seminars - AMST4115 American Studies: Theory and Practice, and AMST4112 Cultural Capital: Kant to Kardashian.

Honours admission requirements

Admission to honours is via the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and requires the completion of a major in American Studies with an average of 70 percent or above.

Prior to commencing, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units. For pre-July 2024 students, where undertaking a Bachelor of Advanced Studies, a second major is also required. 

Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the American Studies honours unit of study page.

Contacts and further information

Further information and current academic coordinators can be found on the United States Studies Centre website.