Student reads while in class

American Studies

Where your intellectual interests converge.

As an American studies concentrator, you take a holistic, interdisciplinary look at American culture, both in the United States and globally, examining race/racism, gender, ethnicity, class, sexuality, religion, and political culture in a historical, intellectual, and social context. In addition to required courses and a capstone paper or project, you can choose from an extensive course list in the humanities and social studies. Science courses related to American studies are also a welcome part of your program. American studies can equip you for graduate work and careers in law, library work, museology, research, teaching, politics, journalism, publishing, and more.

Why Pursue an American Studies Concentration

  • American flags

    INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY

    A view from many vantage points

    Because of the interdisciplinary nature of American studies, you’ll be encouraged to make important connections across majors, disciplines, and fields and to probe complex issues from multiple points of view using a variety of texts: books, events, films, artifacts, and more. Our emphasis on the practical, the progressive, and the action-oriented means you’ll learn to think broadly, deeply, flexibly, and creatively and leave Grinnell prepared for success in a wide variety of fields. 

  • Crowd with American flags at the capitol

    SOCIAL JUSTICE

    Put knowledge into action.

    Your studies may encompass a pragmatic approach that encourages your pursuit of American Studies research, knowledge, and theory, to be implemented and used for the common good, to promote positive change where it is needed, and to support social justice. As you develop a better sense of your place and identity as an individual within this larger context, you’ll form goals that help you put your education to work in the world.

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    RESEARCH AND INQUIRY

    Take a deep dive into subjects that matter to you.

    Through research, independent study, or Mentored Advanced Projects, you’ll be encouraged to explore the breadth and depth of issues that are important to you. In American studies, you’ll find faculty members with expertise in a wide range of subjects, including areas not always formally offered at Grinnell, who are eager to assist in your research and exploration. 

Student Spotlight

Hallela Hinton-Williams ’21
Exploring Identity and Religion

As a Spanish and religious studies double major, Hallela Hinton-Williams ’21 has enjoyed exploring themes of identity and religion through an American studies lens. She says that doing this in Grinnell’s rural Iowa setting has been particularly eye-opening.

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    American Studies’ SEPC

    Add Your Voice

    At Grinnell, students have a say in a great many things, including matters related to teaching and learning. This happens through membership in a Student Educational Policy Committee (SEPC).

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    Featured Course

    Introduction to American Studies

    When we talk about America, aspects of our backgrounds, upbringing, race, gender, class, religion, and place of origin blend together to form our opinions on the subject. By examining American beliefs and values and how they relate to our country’s past, we can better understand how they have shaped America as we know it. By pursuing an understanding of historical events and their modern relevance, Introduction to American Studies (AMS 130) is an integrative course that explores the core values of American life and culture.

News

Ellen Hengesbach stands in front of Westminster Hall and Big Ben
Alumni

From Pursuit of Passion to Professional Success

Academic opportunities, career mentoring, and financial support from Grinnell helped Ellen Hengesbach ’24 turn an internship into a meaningful career.
Scott gesticulates while speaking to a seminar class.

Grinnell To Host Civic Action Academy Nov. 10–11

Students, faculty, and staff passionate about civic action and community engagement are invited to discuss and learn during Iowa and Minnesota Campus Compact’s annual Civic Action Academy.
flowers looking up towards sky

Grinnell Professors Awarded $20,000 AALAC Workshop Grant

Grinnell College Professors Leslie Gregg-Jolly (Biology) and Katya Gibel Mevorach (Anthropology and American studies), along with Phoebe Lostroh ’94 (Associate Professor, Molecular Biology) from Colorado College, have been awarded a prestigious workshop grant of $20,000 from the Alliance to Advance Liberal Arts Colleges (AALAC).

Department Chair

Paul (Al) Lacson

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