Comparative American Studies Major

Summary of Requirements

• One Introductory Course
• CAST 200 - Theories and Methods in American Studies  
• One 300-Level CAST Seminar Course
• CAST 500 - Capstone Research Seminar  
• Minimum of Three Courses for Methodological Breadth
• Minimum of Four Courses in Concentration Area

Declaring the Major

Students wishing to declare a comparative American studies major should meet with a potential advisor on the CAS faculty (may include courtesy faculty) or the department chair. In consultation with the advisor and using the Planning Document for CAS Majors , students will propose a program of study for review by the chair.

Cross-Referenced Courses and Petition Process

As Comparative American Studies is an inter- and multi-disciplinary field, we encourage students to take courses in other departments that can enhance and deepen their studies in the major/minor. Many courses in History, English, Sociology, and Politics, for example can be counted, and a comprehensive list can be found here. This resource indicates which concentration and methodological areas courses count for, and should be consulted carefully as students plan their course schedules. 

If a student is enrolled in or completed a course with substantial American Studies content that is not listed in the resource, they can petition to apply the class toward their major or minor. The process involves filling out the form found here as well as providing a syllabus to the department chair. Students should bear in mind that these requests are not always granted, so if they have any questions about particular courses, they should seek to resolve them before enrolling in the class or well before they complete it. Petitions should be filed no later than the end of the term after which they student has completed the class they wish to count. 

Honors in Comparative American Studies

Senior comparative American studies majors may conduct independent, original research or a creative project through the Honors Program in Comparative American Studies. Consideration for admission to the honors program takes place during the second semester of the junior year, by invitation of the department faculty or by self-nomination. Honors students must enroll in CAST 501 /502 CAST Senior Honors II  (both semesters) and are exempt from the Research Seminar (CAST 500 ) requirement.

Students accepted for honors must normally have a 3.00 GPA in the college and a 3.25 major average at the beginning of the second semester of the junior year. They must have completed the following by the start of their senior year:

• Introductory course requirement; and
• CAST 200 - Theories and Methods in American Studies .

 See the handbook for more detailed information about the honors program.

Detailed Major Requirements