Among the courses that count for American Studies are:
Art 250
Communication and Theater 160, 260, 382, 389 (American topics)
Dance 246, 251
Economics 242, 244, 245, 371, 374, 376
English 245, 280, 392
Family Studies 232, 242
History 169 and other History Level 1 courses with American Topics
History 205, 206, 240, 242, 243, 244, 246, 330, 338, 345
Music 345 (American topics)
Physical Education 384
Political Science 111, 232, 235, 246, 255, 372, 373, 381
Public Affairs Conversation 280
Race and Ethnic Studies 121
Social Work 221, 258
Sociology/Anthropology 121, 126, 240, 244, 246, 248, 260, 265, 266
Interim courses that count as designated disciplinary courses in American Studies are offered annually; see the Interim announcement or the coordinator for the approved list.
How does American Studies relate to International and off-campus studies?
Obviously, most International Studies courses won’t count for American Studies. But they do help us make sense of American culture, because they give us “perspective by incongruity” on our own culture.
It’s possible for a St. Olaf student to get an excellent education on campus. To get a great education, however, you usually need to leave. If you choose not to travel overseas, St. Olaf also offers off-campus domestic programs that count for American Studies. The Chicago Urban Studies program, and the Metro Urban Studies Program, are favorites of St. Olaf’s students in American Studies.