American Studies
Race, politics, capitalism, globalization, popular culture. American studies places you at the heart of the 21st century’s most compelling narratives—and at Rollins, you’re given the flexibility to maximize that relevance.
With a focus on four core departments and many ways to tailor your learning plan, you’ll develop a holistic, wide-ranging way of thinking and expression that is increasingly valued by graduate schools and employers alike.
You’ll engage in hands-on learning under the watchful eye of expert faculty, building critical-thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills that will prepare you for a range of graduate programs and for a career in everything from business and law to health care and publishing.
Why Study American Studies at Rollins
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Connect with Campus Leaders
As an American studies major at Rollins, you’ll be uniquely positioned to network with multiple department leaders and seize professional opportunities across campus.
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Develop a Comprehensive Perspective
Your coursework focuses on four core departments—English, history, political science, and sociology—allowing you to investigate American culture and society from multiple angles.
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Discover Your Passions
With a long list of electives and a requirement for coursework outside the core departments, the American studies program is designed to let you explore many different academic disciplines.
Interested in Studying American Studies at Rollins?
Sign up to receive more info about what it’s like to be an American Studies major at Rollins and to connect with a professor.
“Majoring in American studies at Rollins gave me the flexibility to find and develop my interests and then really hone in on what I was passionate about. The major’s interdisciplinary approach helped me build a well-rounded perspective and develop the research, critical-thinking, and communication skills I need to thrive in law school.”
Dive Into American Studies
American studies majors and minors at Rollins learn the role of ideas, discourse, and events in creating American culture.
Rollins American Studies Careers
From law and health care to publishing and education, Rollins American studies grads are making tomorrow happen in an array of fields.
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Rebecca Firpi ’15
Physical Therapist, Orlando Health
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Elisabeth Hagood ’86
Attorney, Elisabeth Hagood, Attorney at Law
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Hannah Horwath ’16
MD Candidate, University of North Florida
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Grace Simpson ’16
Account Manager, Dotdash Meredith
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Taylor Thomas ’16
JD Candidate, University of Florida Levin College of Law
Real World Experience
From internships and research to community engagement courses, Rollins American studies students hone their skills in the real world.
Popular Courses
Rollins’ American studies courses focus on five key themes: the drivers of change; notions of equality; major divisions; core and conflicting principles in American society; and American exceptionalism and global perspectives.
AMST 200 Introduction to American Studies
In this class, you’ll focus on a specific theme, such as American crime, then study that theme from all angles, using historical texts, novels, television shows, podcasts, and more.
MUS 165 History of Rock and Roll
Explore the sociological, cultural, political, and musical impact of rock and roll, sampling diverse styles of popular music along the way.
SOC 331 The Civil Rights Movement
Investigate the African-American freedom struggle from the era of slavery to the present, with a special emphasis on the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
ENG 307 Immigrants in American Film and Literature
Explore the American immigrant experience through literature and film, using material as diverse as the autobiography of Olaudah Equiano, the critically acclaimed film The Godfather, and the musical Hamilton.
HIS 311 History of American Sexuality
Examine societal attitudes toward premarital and teen sex, gendered sexual pleasure, prostitution, abortion, contraception, eugenics, pregnancy, and other sexual issues.
POL 343 The American Presidency
Trace the development of the presidency, then study the relationship between the president and Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups.
Experience Rollins IRL
There’s no better way to get a feel for life at Rollins than by scheduling a campus tour.
Schedule a VisitA Day in the Life of a Rollins American Studies Major
“The American studies major allowed me to study a variety of subjects. I learned about everything from African-American history to issues of globalization to the overlap in literature and film. Because of my major and the support of the larger Rollins community, I really learned how to self-advocate and integrate lessons from many disciplines.”
Beyond the Classroom
Study Abroad Because this major crosses several core disciplines, there are a diverse range of opportunities to study around the world for credit toward the major. As an American studies student, you’ll be encouraged to take advantage of these study abroad programs in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and more.
One-on-One Collaboration As a senior in the American studies major, you’ll spend your final semester working one-on-one with a professor to complete an interdisciplinary capstone project.
Faculty-Led Field Studies Field study experiences connect with work you’ll do in the classroom. So as you learn about American environmental history, you can also visit state and national parks. Or, as you study the literature of Flannery O’Connor and William Faulkner, you can visit their homes and tour the lands that inspired their work on a Southern lit road trip.
Expert Faculty
Our robust American studies faculty is equipped with a high number of terminal degrees in their fields and a broad range of expertise in interdisciplinary study.
American Studies Program
Telephone:407.691.1273
Fax:
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Amy Armenia, PhD
Director of Institutional Research and Analytics
Research interests: Intersection of family and work, and the challenges and contradictions faced by those who do paid care work
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Donald Davison, PhD
Provost
Research interests: Political behavior, American institutions, public policy, and formal theory and methodology
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Paul Reich, PhD
Professor of English
Research interests: Late 19th- and 20th-century American literature, African-American literature, the American West, interdisciplinary studies, and popular culture
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Claire Strom, PhD
Department Chair, Professor of History
Research interests: U.S. history, especially American sexuality and the Vietnam War
