American Studies
Focus examines the historical, political, legal, economic, and cultural life of the United States
The Associate of Arts (AA) in Interdisciplinary Studies helps students develop critical and creative thinking skills that will prepare them to succeed in a complex, interconnected world and in a variety of professions. The Interdisciplinary Studies AA degree is designed for students who wish to continue working toward a baccalaureate degree by transferring to a four-year college or university after completion of the AA. The INDS AA award plans combine the 42-hour core curriculum with a selected academic focus that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and teaches students to use multiple disciplinary and academic methodologies in the exploration of existing bodies of knowledge. Students will discover and integrate interconnected ideas from different disciplines while sharpening their skills in writing, analysis, and critical and creative reading and thinking.
The American Studies focus examines the historical, political, legal, economic, and cultural life of the United States. The Interdisciplinary Studies AA degree in American Studies requires students to take courses in U.S. History or Texas History, Contemporary Social Problems, American Minorities or Drug Use and Abuse, plus courses selected from Court Systems and Practices, Fundamentals of Criminal Law, American Literature, Introduction to Mass Communication, Critical Issues in Journalism, Macroeconomics, and Microeconomics.
Immerse Yourself
The American Studies program examines the diversity, complexity and interdependence of U.S. society. It also provides a broad knowledge base for understanding and analyzing:
Politics
Students will gain a knowledge of the political structures and institutions as well as the various impacts those structures have on communities
History
Students will take courses in U.S. History or Texas History, Mexican American, African American History
Economics
Students will gain insight into the influences that structure various economic institutions
Courses in American Studies
The Interdisciplinary Studies AA degree in American Studies requires students to take courses in U.S. History or Texas History, Contemporary Social Problems, American Minorities, plus courses selected from Court Systems and Practices, Fundamentals of Criminal Law, American Literature, Introduction to Mass Communication, Critical Issues in Journalism, Macroeconomics, and Microeconomics.
HIST 2301 History of Texas
HIST 2327/2328 Mexican American History I/II
HIST 2381/2382 African American History I/II
SOCI 1306 Contemporary Social Problems
SOCI2 319 American Minorities
CRIJ 1310 Fundamentals of Criminal Law
Area Of Study Advisors
Liberal Arts (Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences) Area of Study Advisors will help you select your classes, stay on track for your degree program, and make decisions about your educational and career goals. Email or call ahead to schedule an appointment to maximize academic advising.
Meet your American Studies Instructors
Come study with us and become part of our diverse community. We can help you reach your career goals with affordable, hands-on learning.
Upcoming Events
Provides opportunities for active engagement in the community through ongoing events, service learning, and international programs. Featuring lectures, panel discussions, a film series, and cultural events that allow students, faculty and staff, and the broader Austin community the opportunity to engage with various topics pertaining to American and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Google Events Calendar
