The American Studies program is designed to allow students the opportunity to integrate studies in various fields into a broad understanding of American culture and its antecedents while acquiring rigorous training in research, writing, and oral communication. The American Studies degree is designed so that students will learn about the complexity and Persity of American culture as revealed through multiple academic disciplines; the social, political, and economic forces that have shaped national character past and present; the sense of place so important to America's geographic regions; the way American Arts and Letters reflect a rich mix of folk, popular, and elite traditions; and the primary institutions that govern American's political and economic self definition.
American Studies students are also expected to develop a methodology for conducting interdisciplinary research and gain experience with practical skills such as designing successful oral presentations, writing effective academic arguments, collaborating with other students on written and oral presentations, formulating academic arguments on the basis of independent research, organizing and completing a substantial research project, performing an internship that applies academic knowledge to the workplace, and using technology.
1. Using the back of this sheet, write a short essay reflecting the way these goals have or have not been met as part of your university experience. Please discuss the experiences that have been the most and least valuable parts of your college career, whether in or out of American Studies.
2. What changes in the curriculum would you suggest to ensure that these objectives are more efficiently and effectively communicated?
3. What are your plans after graduation? If you have a specific job please name it.
Teach School (Where? What subjects?)
Graduate School (in what field?)
Private sector employment (specify job)
Public sector employment (specify job)
Not sure
4. Do you expect to stay in Utah? Yes No
5. If you have a permanent address where you could be reached after graduation, please give it here.
6. Are you a double major? Is so, name the major:
What is/are your minor(s)?:
7. When and why did you decide to major in American Studies?
8. Are you a transfer student? If so, indicate the institutions.
9. What is your GPA? GPA:
10. What kind of writer do you now consider yourself to be? Circle one: POOR FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT
12. What language(s) do you read? How did you learn your language(s)?