Sample Degree Pathway for American Studies - Thematic Option
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
| Course# | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 16/17 | |
| 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.1090 | First Year Experience Seminar1 | 1 |
| MATH.xxxx | MATH.1110 (QL) recommended (MATH)2 | 3 |
| WLxx.xxxx | Language 1 & Culture | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Science w/Lab Persp. (SCL) | 3/4 |
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
| Course# | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 15 | |
| AMST.2480 | Perspectives in American Culture (DCA), (SRE) | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Arts and Hum. Persp. (AH) - PHIL.2010 / PHIL.2020 recommended (CTPS)3 | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Social Science Persp. (SS) | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Arts and Hum. Persp. (AH) | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Language 3 & Culture or World Ready Elective4 | 3 |
Spring Semester
| Course# | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 15 | |
| ENGL.2820 | American Literary Traditions | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Social Science Persp. (SS) | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | STEM Persp. (STEM) | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Language 4 & Culture or World Ready Elective4 | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Research Methods Course3/5 | 3 |
Junior Year
Fall Semester
| Course# | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| xxxx.3/4xxx | Thematic Elective (Discipline 1)6 | 3 |
| xxxx.3/4xxx | American Studies Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | World Ready Elective4 or Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Spring Semester
| Course# | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| xxxx.3/4xxx | Thematic Elective (Discipline 1)6 | 3 |
| xxxx.3/4xxx | Thematic Elective (Discipline 2)6 | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Arts and Hum. Persp. (AH) | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Senior Year
Fall Semester
| Course# | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 15 | |
| AMST.4010 /
AMST.4910 | American Studies Seminar /
Directed Studies in American Studies (AIL), (IL), (WOC) | 3 |
| xxxx.3/4xxx | Thematic Elective (Discipline 2)6 | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
Spring Semester
| Course# | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| xxxx.xxxx | Thematic Elective6 | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
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):
- HIST.4320 Research Seminar
- POLI.3010 Research Methods in Political Sci.
- PSYC.3750 Research III: Laboratory
- SOCI.4030 Research II: Qualitative Methods
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