American Studies

Aerial View of Campus

Degree

Minor

Department

English

Why an American Studies Minor at Le Moyne?

The American Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program for students who want to dig deeper into the ideas, stories, and contradictions that shape the United States.

Drawing from courses in History, Literature, Film, Religion, Communications, Music, Philosophy, Theater, and Political Science, you’ll explore what it really means to call oneself “American” and how that identity continues to evolve across cultures, communities, and generations.

What You’ll Gain

  • A deeper understanding of American culture, history, and identity
  • The ability to think critically across disciplines and perspectives
  • Strong communication and analytical skills valued across industries
  • A broader, more nuanced view of the world—and your place in it

Explore Identity. Challenge Assumptions. Understand America From Every Angle.

In this program, you won’t just study American history: you’ll question it.
You’ll examine the tension between American ideals and lived realities, past and present, while exploring perspectives shaped by race, ethnicity, class, gender, and global influence.

The American Studies Minor

Drawing from courses in History, Literature, Film, Religion, Communications, Music, Philosophy, Theater, and Political Science, you’ll explore what it really means to call oneself “American” and how that identity continues to evolve across cultures, communities, and generations.

American Studies Courses

Through a wide range of courses, you’ll engage with cultural works that define and challenge American identity, from the poetry of Emily Dickinson to the music of Muddy Waters, the novels of Toni Morrison, the films of Martin Scorsese, and even modern media like Grand Theft Auto.

You’ll explore the tensions between “high” culture and popular culture, discussing the ways in which issues of race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender are represented in these various texts.

Grow Your Perspective Beyond The Heights

You’ll also have opportunities to expand your perspective beyond the classroom through travel experiences, both across the United States and internationally, bringing your learning into real-world context.

From Classroom to Career

95% of Le Moyne graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months.

That’s the result of intentional mentorship, hands-on internships, and personalized career guidance that begins in your first year and continues through graduation.

Careers and Median Salaries

$75,000 Policy Research Analyst / Legislative Aide

$55,000 Journalist

$69,400 High School Teacher

$140,030 Human Resources Manager

The American Studies minor helps prepare you for careers in law, social work, journalism and more

Questions? Let's Get in Touch

Ann Ryan, Ph.D.

Professor

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