American Studies George Washington University

Overview

The American Studies programme at George Washington University offers an intellectually rigorous exploration of the diverse cultural, social, and political landscapes that define the United States. Students engage with a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from popular music and advertising to government policy, religion, and the history of science.

This degree encourages students to think critically about the American experience by examining primary sources and participating in small, discussion-oriented seminars. The curriculum is designed to foster independent research skills, allowing learners to investigate complex themes such as racial politics, social movements, and cultural identity.

Why American Studies at George Washington University?

The university provides a unique vantage point for studying the nation, situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., where history and contemporary politics intersect. Students benefit from the expertise of core faculty members who are active researchers and authors in their respective fields of study.

The department offers distinctive teaching features, including the opportunity to pursue departmental honours for those who achieve high academic standing and produce exceptional research. Facilities and resources within the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences support a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to cultural critique.

Undergraduates may also engage in supervised research courses, working closely with faculty mentors to explore specific interests. This collaborative environment ensures that students are not only consumers of knowledge but also contributors to the evolving field of American cultural history.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 69780 per year
• National fee: USD 69780 per year
• Local fee: USD 69780 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum includes core requirements and a wide selection of elective options to tailor the learning experience. Modules may include:

• Early American Cultural History
• Modern American Cultural History
• Critiquing Culture
• Examining America
• Proseminar in American Studies

Elective options may include:

• American Culture
• American Cinema
• Politics and Film
• Race, Gender, and Law
• The Sixties in America
• Washington, DC: History, Culture, and Politics
• Arts in America
• Freedom in American Thought and Popular Culture
• Feminist Theory
• Historical Geography
• African American Experience
• U.S. Media and Cultural History
• U.S. Religion and Politics
• Sexuality in U.S. History
• Sex and Citizenship
• Modern U.S. Immigration
• Capitalism and Culture
• The American City
• Themes in U.S. Cultural History
• American Architecture
• Material Culture in America
• U.S. Popular Music and Culture
• Science, Technology, and Politics in Modern America
• Human Mind and Artificial Intelligence
• Discovering the Mind
• Hashtag America
• United States in the World
• World War II in History and Memory
• Latinos in the United States
• U.S. Urban History
• U.S. Social History
• U.S. Women's History
• African American History
• African American Women's History
• American Jewish Experience
• Popular Music and Politics
• Ethnographic and Historical Perspectives on Data Ethics
• Planning Cities
• Historical Archaeology
• Epidemics in American History
• Race, Medicine, and Public Health

Careers with American Studies

Graduates of this programme are equipped with versatile skills in research, critical analysis, and communication that are highly valued across multiple sectors. Alumni often pursue successful careers in fields such as law, public policy, journalism, and education, or work within cultural institutions and non-profit organisations.

The rigorous training in primary-source research and cultural critique prepares students for roles in media, government relations, and historical preservation. Many graduates also choose to continue their academic development by enrolling in competitive law schools or advanced master's and doctoral programmes.