American studies is an interdisciplinary field that draws upon a number of academic disciplines, including history, literature, and sociology, to consider relationships between culture and society in the United States as it is embedded in global processess and issues. The American studies minor at Virginia Tech is part of the Humanities program in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. Students work closely with an advisor to plan a coherent program tailored to each student's interests.
To complete a minor in American studies at Virginia Tech, students take HUM 2504: Introduction to American Studies.
Students then choose twelve hours of course work from at least two of four areas: literature; history; the arts and communications; and cultural studies. The approved list (see "Checksheet" at left ) includes a variety of courses with a North American emphasis from literature, history, art history, architecture, Africana studies, communications, humanities, music, political science, religious studies, women's studies, landscape architecture, and urban affairs. Appropriate special topics courses and honors colloquia may be substituted in consultation with the minor coordinator.
Students complete the minor by taking an IDST 3114 topics course. Previous 3114 topics have included: The Sixties in Film (Dr. Precoda); Action Cinema (Dr. King); Empowerment and Social Change (Dr. Gillman); and American Life, Post 9/11 (Drs. Britt and Kao).
Students who want more information or who wish to complete this minor should consult with Ms. Carol Sue Slusser in the Interdisciplinary Studies advising office, 151 Lane Hall, 540-231-6630, slusserc@vt.edu, or with Dr. Emily Satterwhite, 344 Lane Hall, 540-231-8779, satterwhite@vt.edu.