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American Studies

Sample Degree Pathway for American Studies - General Option

For students who entered fall 2015 to spring 2021.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100
College Writing I / FYSH (CW)3
HIST.1110 /
HIST.1120
U.S. History3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar21
MATH.xxxxMATH.1110 (QL) recommended (MATH)53
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 Culture3
xxxx.xxxxScience w/Lab Persp. (SCL)3/4
Total16/17

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
SOCI.1010Introduction to Sociology3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 Culture3
xxxx.xxxxScience w/Lab Persp. (SCL)3/4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Persp. (SS)3
Total15/16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.2820American Literary Traditions3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Hum. Persp. (AH) - PHIL.2010 / PHIL.2020 recommended (CTPS)43
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Persp. (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Hum. Persp. (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 Culture or World Ready Elective63

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
AMST.2480Values in American Culture (DCA), (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Persp. (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxSTEM Persp. (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 Culture or World Ready Elective63
xxxx.xxxxResearch Methods Course3/43
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Content Elective13
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Content Elective13
xxxx.xxxxAmerican Content Elective13
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective6 or Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total15
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Content Elective13
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Content Elective13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Hum. Persp. (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
AMST.4010 /
AMST.4910
Senior Am. Studies Seminar / Directed Study in Am. Studies (AIL), (IL), (WOC)3
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Content Elective13
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Content Elective13
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

1Students following the General option choose their American Content Elective courses from two disciplines and take 12 credits at the 3000 level or above (six credits from each discipline). A list of approved courses is available through the student's SiS account, on the American Studies website, or from the coordinator.

2Required for entering freshmen.

3Students may take Research Methods in any of the following subjects: Psychology, History, Sociology, or Political Science.

4American Studies students meet the Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (CTPS) outside of the major.
CTPS may be satisfied with PHIL.2010 Intro. to Philosophy or PHIL.2020 Intro. to Logic and Critical Reasoning.
Additionally, the following Research Seminars satisfy CTPS (note, some have prerequisite courses):

See the CTPS course listing for a complete list of options.

5Quantitative Literacy (QL) is fulfilled outside the American Studies major. The department recommends that all majors take a math course that satisfies the QL outcome, such as MATH 1110.

6World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

Students must take 36-45 credits within the major, with at least 15 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level.

A list of courses fulfilling the interdisciplinary elective requirement is available through the student's SiS account, on the American Studies website, or from the coordinator.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Last updated: 7/02/2021