Social Science Division

American Studies M.A. Program

A master of arts is offered in American studies. This program involves courses offered in the summers and in the evenings during the fall and spring terms. Studies include economics, political science, history of the United States, literature of the United States, American moral traditions, and elective courses involving the American experience.

Prerequisites

As a general rule, it will be expected that the applicants for the master's degree in American studies will have completed an undergraduate major in one of the four basic disciplines of the American studies program: economics, English, history, or political science.

Course Requisites

The master of arts in American studies is a thirty-six-unit degree. The degree program consists of seven mandatory core courses and two elective courses. The following core courses are required of all students:

*Students may take two courses from Literary Movements or two courses from Literary Types, or one course from each.

Elective Courses:

Students must complete two classes from the list below but may not take more than three courses (including core classes) from any one discipline.

No grade of 'C' will count toward the degree, but shall be computed in the grade point average. A student who receives more than one 'C' will be dismissed from the program. The student must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better in all work presented for the degree.

Examinations and Final Requirements

Each student must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination which covers all areas of course work in the in the program. The capstone reading course will assist the student in integrating the coursework completed and serve as preparation for the comprehensive examination.