This course explores a range of the many ‘theories and methods’ that have animated the interdisciplinary field of American Studies. Students will read and discuss texts that exemplify or explain a wide variety of theoretical orientations and their associated research methods, exploring how scholars use different approaches to illuminate different kinds of questions about American experience(s). Over the semester, students will complete various methods exercises where exercises where they will appl research methods to a chosen topic. This course is required for majors, but is open to all who have met the prerequisites.