The Program

The minor in American Studies at Old Dominion includes a synoptic course, American Studies 300 Perspectives in American Studies.  There, students learn about methodology around one theme: for example, the American Dream.  Beyond that, each student in the minor can select courses from different departments that suit his or her interests.

The program will be useful for a variety of students, including those from abroad.  It serves as a compliment to majors in the disciplines that comprise American Studies, like history of art or sociology or literature, but it can also be a creative way to round out one’s education in more technical fields without a student having to commit to a single disciplinary program in the humanities or social sciences.  Most importantly, the American Studies minor allows a fresh perspective by encouraging students to pursue several paths of inquiry instead of a single model.