The courses listed comprise the current course offerings for the academic year 2007-2008 for the American Studies curricular field as well as additional course offerings anticipated in the future in this field.

Curriculum Description
Three major dimensions of American culture are explored through American Studies: the historical origins and development of the nation; the political and philosophical ideas which brought about the United States Constitution and an evolving political system; and the religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and literary texts which, for more than three centuries, have shaped the nature and direction of American society and civilization. The goal is for students to develop a critical, balanced, and integrated view of American life and society, and in the process to answer the question posed by Hector St. John de Crevecoeur in the eighteenth century, "What, then, is the American, this new man?"

Faculty Advisor
Ronald M. Johnson, Ph.D., University of Illinois; Professor of History, Georgetown University. He teaches and researches as a specialist in the field of American Studies with an emphasis on race, gender, and literature.
johnsorm@georgetown.edu

Format
In order to earn a Master’s degree in the American Studies curricular field, students must complete six courses in this field including one Core course and one Human Values course or two Core courses, and a three-credit thesis reflecting this field. To complete the total number of credits required for the MALS degree, 30 credits, three elective courses may be selected from any Liberal Studies courses or other courses at the University appropriate to this degree with the approval of the Program Director. The selected curricular field will appear on the final transcript of record.