Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)

Additional information

Program description

The BA program in social and cultural analysis with a concentration in American studies engages in the transdisciplinary and comparative study of the United States as a cultural and political site of ongoing change and conflict.

Students learn diverse methods of analyzing nationalist politics, public and private cultural practices, transnationalism and the nation-making processes of migration. The curriculum also brings attention to identity formations around gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity.

As a transdisciplinary field, American studies unites the social sciences, the humanities and the arts to stimulate students into engaging in rigorous and adventurous conversations about American culture, politics and history. Students explore knowledge beyond disciplinary boundaries by bringing differing perspectives and understandings into dialogue with one another and generating a beneficial level of intellectual rigor and excitement.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

• English, MA
• Social Justice and Human Rights, MA

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. 

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Students can learn to put the United States in a global context through a faculty-directed study abroad program that explores culture, borders and politics. Executing cross-cultural communication develops career skills that are in demand by employers. Students can stay on track academically by earning ASU credit for completed courses in one of more than 300 programs available.