Who we are
The Interdisciplinary American Studies program takes as its subject the cultures that have developed in what is now the United States, understanding “American culture” as the interplay of material practices and the realm of ideas.
It considers technology, economy, urbanism, and ecology, as well as literature, the arts, and political and geographic history. American Studies takes a particular interest in cultural hybridity, cultural layering, and in American culture exported abroad.
The goal of the Interdisciplinary American Studies program is to utilize the enormous and varied resources of the institution to teach students how to ask and answer scholarly questions, to formulate and undertake a focused interdisciplinary course of study, and to design and execute a substantial integrative research project. In doing this, we build upon several generations of scholars across disciplines who have advocated the critical study of race, class, gender, sexuality, and mass culture, as well as the examination of America as part of an increasingly globalized world. Read More
Student Academic Advising
Laura Spautz, MPH
The Student Academic Advisor's job is to guide students and faculty as they navigate University, College, and Major Program policies. Laura is an experienced advisor who is available to serve as a sounding board for ideas and concerns as they arise. Office hours and contact information are located here.
Graduate Profiles
Sha Quasha Morgan - Race, Culture, and Health
Because she is passionate about being a model for success for students that come from the same background, Sha Quasha will pursue counseling for low income, first generation college students. Following summer, Sha Quasha hopes to work either as a College and Career Counselor in the Oakland Unified School District or as an Academic Advisor within the community college system.Subsequently, she plans to pursue a Masters in Social Work with an emphasis on either Child and Family Welfare or Community Mental Health. Sha Quashas ultimate goal is to provide more awareness to her community about the mental health issues that adversely affect them and necessary support.
Read more about Sha Quasha’s Thesis and Area of Concentration
Thesis: Sha Quasha Morgan : - "I Can Do Bad All by Myself: Stigma of Mental Illness, Power, Pedagogy, Black Masculinity and America's Healthcare System" (Class of 2016)
