Comparative American Studies

Gina Pérez, Associate Professor of Comparative American Studies and Program Director
Rick Baldoz, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Comparative American Studies
Jan Cooper, John C. Reid Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Composition and Comparative American Studies
Eric Estes, Vice President, Dean of Students and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Comparative American Studies
Meredith Gadsby, Associate Professor of African American Studies and Comparative American Studies
Harry Hirsch, Professor of Politics and Comparative American Studies
Daphne John, Associate Professor of Sociology and Comparative American Studies
Gillian Johns, Associate Professor of English and Comparative American Studies
Wendy Kozol, Professor of Comparative American Studies
Shelley Lee, Assistant Professor of Comparative American Studies and History
Pablo Mitchell, Associate Professor of History and Comparative American Studies
Meredith Raimondo, Associate Professor of Comparative American Studies

Comparative American Studies examines the range and diversity of American experiences, identities, and communities. From interdisciplinary perspectives, students study social, political, economic and cultural processes within the United States as well as explore the role of the nation in a global context. By placing the United States in a transnational and comparative framework, the program invites students to consider the relationship of different communities to the nation-state, ranging from issues of colonialism and empire building to social justice movements. Courses investigate power, inequality, and agency through the analysis of intersecting structures of race, gender, class, sexuality, and citizenship. Central to these studies are examinations of the relationship of theory and practice in a range of historical and contemporary contexts.

Comparative American Studies faculty approach the study of the United States with expertise drawn from a range of interdisciplinary fields, including American Studies, Ethnic Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Media Studies. The program has particular strengths in transnational approaches to Asian American Studies, Feminist Studies, Latina/o Studies, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies.

Major

Students wishing to declare a Comparative American Studies major should select a faculty advisor who is a member of the Comparative American Studies Program Committee or consult with the Program Director. In consultation with the advisor, students should propose a program of study for review by the Program Director.

The Comparative American Studies major consists of a minimum of 9 ½ courses (nine full courses and one half course) that include required program courses (3.5), the concentration area requirement (4) and electives (2).

In addition to program courses, students majoring and minoring in Comparative American Studies may count certain courses in other departments and programs toward their Concentration Area Requirement and Electives. A list of cross-referenced courses that qualify is posted on the program’s web site (http://new.oberlin.edu/comparative_american) under the rubric “Comparative American Studies Courses in Various Disciplines.”

Courses in which a student has earned a letter grade lower than a C- or P cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the major.

Transfer courses: Students may transfer 3 full courses in from other institutions towards the major.

Required Courses: 3 ½ courses

100 Introduction to Comparative American Studies
300 Situated Research, recommended to be taken by the end of the junior year
301 Situated Research Practicum (1/2 course) taken simultaneously with 300
400 Research Seminar: Expanding the Archive

The Comparative American Studies program encourages students to personalize the major by choosing an individual focus within one of three concentrations. Students select classes that address their interests within a framework of course offerings designed to build conceptual and practical skills. The program particularly emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and communication as aspects of civic engagement. Concentrations in the Comparative American Studies program include:

Identity and diversity
Globalization, transnationalism and nation
Histories and practices of social change

Electives: 2 courses

A minimum of 2 full courses is required to meet the elective requirement.
Program and cross-referenced courses may count toward the Concentration Area and Elective requirements for the major and the minor.
Introductory courses: No more than 3 full courses can be at the introductory level.

Course Sequencing Suggestions:

The program offers a variety of introductory and intermediate level courses for potential majors and non-majors. These 100 and 200 level courses provide an introduction to American Studies scholarship. While courses at the 300 and 400 level typically do not have prerequisites, prior coursework in CAST or a related field is strongly recommended prior to enrolling in these courses.
Comparative American Studies Minor

The minor requires completion of a total of 5 full courses, including CAST 100: Introduction to Comparative American Studies.
Students may transfer 1 full course from another institution.
Students are required to complete at least one full program course (a course with a CAST prefix and CRN).
No more than 2 full courses can be at the introductory level, including CAST 100.

Minor

Students wishing to minor in Comparative American Studies must have their proposals approved by the Program Director. The Comparative American Studies minor consists of :

5 full courses, including CAST 100, Introductions to Comparative American Studies.
At least one of the courses in the Concentration Area must be a program course ( course with a CAST Prefix and CRN).
No more that 2 full courses may be taken at the introductory level, including CAST 100.
No more than one full course may be transferred from another institution toward the minor.

Honors

Comparative American Studies majors may pursue in-depth Honors research in their senior year under the supervision of a faculty advisor. An Honors Project normally consists of a written thesis based on original research or creative work. The thesis is submitted in the spring semester of the senior year and followed by a public presentation. Students who qualify for Honors and are interested in the program should consult with the Program Director by the beginning of the second semester in their junior year. Honors proposals are due on or about April 15.

Winter Term

When on duty, faculty members with appointments in Comparative American Studies sponsor Winter Term projects.

Off-Campus Programs for Credit

Students are encouraged to broaden their educational experience by taking advantage of off-campus programs, preferably sometime during their junior year. A maximum of ten hours credit of such work may be applied toward the major (five for the minor).

First-Year Seminars

FYSP 180 Exploring Chicago

Comparative American Studies Courses

Cross-Referenced Courses

In addition to program courses, students majoring or minoring in Comparative American Studies may count certain courses in other departments and programs toward their Concentration Area Requirement. A list of courses that qualify is posted on the program’s web site (http://new.oberlin.edu/comparative_american) under the rubric “Comparative American Studies Courses in Various Disciplines.”