American Studies

Overview

The American Studies from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)  became an independent major during the campus’ founding years, and its first graduates received their degrees at the institution’s initial commencement in the Spring of 1970. Dr. Joel Jones taught an interdisciplinary seminar on American culture in 1967-68. In 1968, Dr. James Arnquist became the second faculty member appointed to the program, and AMST major was launched. 

When Jones departed in 1969 to take the position of chairperson at the University of New Mexico, Dr. Ed Orser joined Arnquist on the department’s faculty.

Program Overview

The interdisciplinary nature of the program and the connections it afforded between studying America’s past and present quickly made it a very popular major. Its emphasis on student engagement in the learning process and the development of critical thinking and writing skills became trademarks. 

The department’s model has always included a core of interdisciplinary courses which provide an engaging shared experience in cultural study, combined with the selection of special curricular emphasis areas and themes, where students may pursue individual interests though a variety of courses and seminars, independent studies, and internships.