Sample Degree Pathway for American Studies - Thematic Option

For students who entered fall 2021 to spring 2023.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total16/17
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100
College Writing I / FYSH (CW)3
HIST.1110 /
HIST.1120
United States History to 1877 / 
United States History since 1877
3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
MATH.xxxxMATH.1110 (QL) recommended (MATH)23
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 & Culture3
xxxx.xxxxScience w/Lab Persp. (SCL)3/4

Spring Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15/16
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

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15
AMST.2480Perspectives in American Culture (DCA), (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Hum. Persp. (AH) - PHIL.2010 / PHIL.2020 recommended (CTPS)33
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Persp. (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Hum. Persp. (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 & Culture or World Ready Elective43

Spring Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15
ENGL.2820American Literary Traditions3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Persp. (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxSTEM Persp. (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 & Culture or World Ready Elective43
xxxx.xxxxResearch Methods Course3/53

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
xxxx.3/4xxxThematic Elective (Discipline 1)63
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Studies Elective3
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective4 or Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
xxxx.3/4xxxThematic Elective (Discipline 1)63
xxxx.3/4xxxThematic Elective (Discipline 2)63
xxxx.xxxxArts and Hum. Persp. (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15
AMST.4010 /
AMST.4910
American Studies Seminar /
Directed Studies in American Studies (AIL), (IL), (WOC)
3
xxxx.3/4xxxThematic Elective (Discipline 2)63
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3

Spring Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxThematic Elective63
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15
Total Minimum Credits = 120

1Required for entering freshmen.

2Quantitative 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.

3American 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 Introduction to Philosophy or PHIL.2020 Introduction to Logic and Critical Reasoning.
Additionally, the following Research Seminars satisfy CTPS (some have prerequisite courses):

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

4World 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.

5Students may take Research Methods in any of the following subjects: english, history, political science, psychology, or sociology.

6To satisfy the Thematic Electives requirement, students choose two disciplines to explore, taking a total of 15 credits (12 must be at the 3000/4000 level), with at least six credits from each discipline. A list of approved courses is available through the student's SIS account or from the coordinator.

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

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: 6/30/2021