American Studies


Faculty List

Professor and Director
Nic Sammond, PhD. Director, American Studies Program and Centre for the Study of the United States

Assistant Professors, Teaching Stream
Alexandra Rahr, PhD. Director of Undergraduate Programs and Student Experience
Leah Montange, PhD. Bissell-Heyd Lecturer in American Studies

Introduction

The American Studies Program is designed to provide students with a broad, yet deep, education about the United States. To ensure breadth, students are required to take two interdisciplinary core courses that range widely both with respect to the themes covered and disciplinary perspectives applied. As well, the Program offers a wide selection of courses from participating departments and programs in the Faculty of Arts and Science, giving students broad exposure to fundamental themes of American life. To ensure depth, the American Studies Program relies heavily on upper level courses, including its own capstone seminars at the 400-level.

Enquiries:
Program Coordinator, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, 1 Devonshire Place Room 327N, (416-946-8972), csus@utoronto.ca

American Studies Programs

American Studies Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ0135

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Completion Requirements:

7.0 credits specified as follows:

1. AMS200H1 (formerly USA200H1) and AMS300H1 (formerly USA300H1) (total of 1.0 credit).

2. 1.0 credit from the gateway courses in English ( ENG250H1 and either ENG270H1 or ENG235H1), History ( HIS271Y1), Geography ( GGR240H1 and GGR254H1), or Political Science ( POL386Y1 or the combination of POL347H1 and POL386H1), or Cinema Studies ( CIN270Y1).

3. Three of the following selections:

  • 1.0 credit from the Politics and Economics disciplinary/thematic cluster
  • 1.0 credit from the Society disciplinary/thematic cluster
  • 1.0 credit from the Culture disciplinary/thematic cluster
  • 1.0 credit from the History disciplinary/thematic cluster

4. 0.5 credit in Breadth Requirement Category 5: The Physical or Mathematical Universe, or another 0.5 credit approved by the CSUS Program Director, to fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning competency requirement of the program.

5. Additional AMS/USA courses or courses from the American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters to a total of 7.0 credits, including requirement #4 above.

6. At least 2.0 credits of the student’s 7.0 credits must be at the 300-level or above.

7. At least 1.5 credits of the student’s program must be in American Studies (AMS prefix courses), at the 300- or 400-level.

Recommended Sequence of Courses:

First Year:

Students are encouraged to take any pre-requisites for the gateway course required, and/or enroll directly in AMS199H1 and/or AMS200H1 as a first year student. Of the required gateway courses, POL347H1, POL386H1 and POL386Y1 have pre-requisites of a course that deals substantially with politics; students interested in these courses, therefore, should confer with the instructor as to whether their course work includes a pre-requisite for these courses. Other recommended courses at the first year level include: HIS106Y1.

Second Year:

Second, Third, and Fourth Years:

  • AMS300H1, plus other eligible courses, to a total of 7.0 credits.
  • At least 2.0 of these courses must be at the 300-level or above.
  • At least 1.5 of these courses must be in American Studies (AMS prefix courses) at the 300- or 400-level. Courses must be chosen in a way that satisfies the disciplinary/thematic variety described above, plus 0.5 credit in Breadth Requirement Category 5, or another half course approved by the CSUS Program Director, to fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning competency requirement of the program.

*NOTE 1: Other 300+ level courses with 50% or more American content may be allowed; students should seek early approval of program credit for such courses from the CSUS Director.

*NOTE 2: The course designator associated with American Studies is being changed from USA to AMS effective Fall 2021. American Studies courses previously coded as USA are considered equivalent to AMS for purposes of course prerequisites and program completion.

Disciplinary/Thematic Cluster 1: Politics and Economics

ECO306H1/​ POL326H1/​ POL327H1/​ POL347H1/​ POL377H1/​ POL386H1/​ POL386Y1/​ POL326Y1/​ POL379H1/​ POL404Y1/​ POL433H1/​ POL443H1/​ POL464H1

Disciplinary/Thematic Cluster 2: Society

GGR240H1/​ GGR254H1/​ GGR336H1/​ GGR339H1/​ GGR359H1/​ GGR458H1/​ INS302H1/​ INS341H1/​ MUN200H1/​ SOC306H1/​ SOC386H1/​ SOC429H5

Disciplinary/Thematic Cluster 3: Culture

CIN211H1/​ CIN230H1/​ CIN270Y1/​ CIN310Y1/​ CIN334H1/​ CIN335H1/​ CIN374Y1/​ CIN431H1/​ CIN490Y1/​ CIN491H1/​ CIN492H1/​ ENG250H1/​ ENG235H1/​ ENG270H1/​ ENG355Y1/​ ENG360H1/​ ENG363Y1/​ ENG364Y1/​ ENG365H1/​ ENG368H1/​ ENG379H1/​ ENG484H1/​ MUS306H1/​ RLG315H1/​ CAR324H1/​ JLN427H1/​ CDN368H1

Disciplinary/Thematic Cluster 4: History

HIS106Y1/​ HIS202H1/​ HIS221H1/​ HIS222H1/​ HIS271Y1/​ HIS300H1/​ HIS310H1/​ HIS343H1/​ HIS345H1/​ HIS366H1/​ HIS369H1/​ HIS374H1/​ HIS376H1/​ HIS377H1/​ HIS378H1/​ HIS379H1/​ HIS389H1/​ HIS389Y1/​ HIS396H1/​ HIS400H1/​ HIS401H1/​ HIS404H1/​ HIS411H1/​ HIS463H1/​ HIS464H1/​ HIS465Y1/​ HIS473H1/​ HIS479H1/​ HIS484H1/​ HIS487H1/​ HIS497H1

*NOTE: This list of eligible courses is not exhaustive and some courses may not be offered every year. Please visit the CSUS website for more information.

Note: Effective Fall 2021, courses associated with New College's Caribbean Studies program will have the new "CAR" designator.

American Studies Minor (Arts Program) - ASMIN0135

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Completion Requirements:

(4.0 credits, including 1.0 credit at the 300+ level in at least two American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters, categorized as follows: a) Politics and Economics b) Society (e.g. Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, East Asian Studies, Geography) c) Culture (e.g. Cinema Studies, English, Music, Religion) d) History)

Second year:
1. AMS200H1 (formerly USA200H1)

2. 1.0 credit from the gateway courses in English ( ENG250H1 and either ENG270H1 or ENG235H1), History ( HIS271Y1), Geography ( GGR240H1 and GGR254H1), Political Science ( POL386Y1 or the combination of POL347H1 and POL386H1), or Cinema Studies ( CIN270Y1).

Second, third, and fourth years:
3. 2.5 credits from AMS/USA courses (excluding AMS200H1/​ USA200H1) or from the eligible courses listed below.

*NOTE 1: Other 300+ level courses with American content may be allowed; students should seek early approval of program credit for such courses.

*NOTE 2: The course designator associated with American Studies is being changed from USA to AMS effective Fall 2021. American Studies courses previously coded as USA are considered equivalent to AMS for purposes of course prerequisites and program completion.

Disciplinary/Thematic Cluster 1: Politics and Economics

ECO306H1/​ POL326H1/​ POL327H1/​ POL347H1/​ POL377H1/​ POL386H1/​ POL386Y1/​ POL326Y1/​ POL379H1/​ POL404Y1/​ POL433H1/​ POL443H1/​ POL464H1

Disciplinary/Thematic Cluster 2: Society

GGR240H1/​ GGR254H1/​ GGR336H1/​ GGR339H1/​ GGR359H1/​ GGR458H1/​ INS302H1/​ INS341H1/​ MUN200H1/​ SOC306H1/​ SOC386H1/​ SOC429H5

Disciplinary/Thematic Cluster 3: Culture

CIN211H1/​ CIN230H1/​ CIN270Y1/​ CIN310Y1/​ CIN334H1/​ CIN335H1/​ CIN374Y1/​ CIN431H1/​ CIN490Y1/​ CIN491H1/​ CIN492H1/​ ENG250H1/​ ENG235H1/​ ENG270H1/​ ENG355Y1/​ ENG360H1/​ ENG363Y1/​ ENG364Y1/​ ENG365H1/​ ENG368H1/​ ENG379H1/​ ENG484H1/​ MUS306H1/​ RLG315H1/​ CAR324H1/​ JLN427H1/​ CDN368H1

Disciplinary/Thematic Cluster 4: History

HIS106Y1/​ HIS202H1/​ HIS221H1/​ HIS222H1/​ HIS271Y1/​ HIS300H1/​ HIS310H1/​ HIS343H1/​ HIS345H1/​ HIS366H1/​ HIS369H1/​ HIS374H1/​ HIS376H1/​ HIS377H1/​ HIS378H1/​ HIS379H1/​ HIS389H1/​ HIS389Y1/​ HIS396H1/​ HIS400H1/​ HIS401H1/​ HIS404H1/​ HIS411H1/​ HIS463H1/​ HIS464H1/​ HIS465Y1/​ HIS473H1/​ HIS479H1/​ HIS484H1/​ HIS487H1/​ HIS497H1

*NOTE: This list of eligible courses is not exhaustive and some courses may not be offered every year. Please visit the CSUS website for more information.

Note: Effective Fall 2021, courses associated with New College's Caribbean Studies program will have the new "CAR" designator.


To see our full list of American Studies courses offered in 2023-2024, please go to our website at the Centre for the Study of the United States, at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy here: https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/american-studies

Please visit our website for more information on courses eligible for program credit, as the list of courses in the program requirements is not exhaustive. Some of the courses may not be offered every year. Certain courses have prerequisites and exclusions, so check the Calendar listings, or the offering department/program websites. Other 300+ level courses with American content may be allowed; students should seek early approval of program credit for such courses from the Director. 

American Studies Courses

AMS199H1 - Razing the Roof and Tearing Down Monuments: Controversies in Public Memory

Hours: 24L

In cities across America, statues of past heroes are being kicked off their pedestals. As the republic grapples with conflicting histories, this course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of American Studies by considering the politics, history, aesthetics, ideologies and geographies of public memorialization. We’ll also critically engage with current research on creative acts of public memory – both digital and material – which offer provocative ways to encounter our collective pasts. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Exclusion: First-year students only
Recommended Preparation: None
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AMS200H1 - Introduction to American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA200H1

Hours: 24L

A formal introduction to the interdisciplinary study of the United States and to the field of American Studies. Drawing from a variety of source materials ranging from political and literary to visual culture and material artifacts, this course examines the politics, history and culture of the U.S. A major emphasis will be learning to analyze primary sources.

Exclusion: USA200H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AMS210H1 - Concepts in American Studies

Hours: 24L

An interdisciplinary introduction to concepts key to the study of the United States in the world. Course materials will range from political, cultural, and literary theory to visual and material artifacts. Examining issues in the politics, history, and culture of the U.S., the course will give a grounding in the methods and ideas that make up the practice of American Studies.

Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AMS300H1 - Theories and Methods in American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA300H1

Hours: 24L

This course, required for majors and minors but open to all who have met the pre-requisites, explores a range of approaches to the field of American Studies. Students will be introduced to some of the many ‘theories and methods’ that have animated the field of American Studies, including historical methods; formal analysis of visual and literary texts; and key concepts, such as commodity chain analysis; ‘race,’ ‘commodity,’ ‘gender,’ ‘diaspora,’ and ‘affect.’

Prerequisite: HIS271Y1/ ENG250Y1/ GGR240H1/ GGR254H1/ POL203Y1/ POL386Y1/ ( POL347H1, POL386H1). If you do not have these prerequisites but would like to take the course, please contact the instructor and/or csus@utoronto.ca to discuss exceptions to the prerequisites.
Exclusion: USA300H1, USA300Y1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AMS310H1 - Approaches to American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA310H1

Hours: 24L

An in-depth, interdisciplinary examination of a specific question concerning U.S. history, politics, and/or culture. Focus varies depending on instructor. Major emphases include reading critically and the initial steps of conducting original research.

Prerequisite: AMS300H1/ USA300H1, or 1.0 credit chosen from the four American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters (Politics and Economics, Society, Culture, and History) as published in the American Studies section of the Calendar. If you do not have these prerequisites but would like to take the course, please contact the instructor and/or csus@utoronto.ca to discuss exceptions to the prerequisites.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AMS311H1 - Approaches to American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA311H1

Hours: 24L

An in-depth, interdisciplinary examination of a specific question concerning U.S. history, politics, and/or culture. Focus varies depending on instructor. Major emphases include reading critically and the initial steps of conducting original research.

Prerequisite: AMS300H1/ USA300H1, or 1.0 credit chosen from the four American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters (Politics and Economics, Society, Culture, and History) as published in the American Studies section of the Calendar. If you do not have these prerequisites but would like to take the course, please contact the instructor and/or csus@utoronto.ca to discuss exceptions to the prerequisites.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AMS312H1 - Approaches to American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA312H1

Hours: 24L

An in-depth, interdisciplinary examination of a specific question concerning U.S. history, politics, and/or culture. Focus varies depending on instructor. Major emphases include reading critically and the initial steps of conducting original research.

Prerequisite: AMS300H1/ USA300H1, or 1.0 credit chosen from the four American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters (Politics and Economics, Society, Culture, and History) as published in the American Studies section of the Calendar. If you do not have these prerequisites but would like to take the course, please contact the instructor and/or csus@utoronto.ca to discuss exceptions to the prerequisites.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AMS313H1 - Approaches to American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA313H1

Hours: 24L

An in-depth, interdisciplinary examination of a specific question concerning U.S. history, politics, and/or culture. Focus varies depending on instructor. Major emphases include reading critically and the initial steps of conducting original research.

Prerequisite: AMS300H1/ USA300H1, or 1.0 credit chosen from the four American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters (Politics and Economics, Society, Culture, and History) as published in the American Studies section of the Calendar. If you do not have these prerequisites but would like to take the course, please contact the instructor and/or csus@utoronto.ca to discuss exceptions to the prerequisites.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AMS400H1 - Topics in American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA400H1

Hours: 24S

In-depth examination of specific themes relating to American Studies.

Prerequisite: 2.0 credits chosen from courses with the AMS/USA designator or from the four American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters (Politics and Economics, Society, Culture, and History) as published in the American Studies section of the Calendar. If you do not have these prerequisites but would like to take the course, please contact the instructor and/or csus@utoronto.ca to discuss exceptions to the prerequisites.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AMS401H1 - Topics in American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA401H1

Hours: 24S

In-depth examination of specific themes relating to American Studies.

Prerequisite: 2.0 credits chosen from courses with the AMS/USA designator or from the four American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters (Politics and Economics, Society, Culture, and History) as published in the American Studies section of the Calendar. If you do not have these prerequisites but would like to take the course, please contact the instructor and/or csus@utoronto.ca to discuss exceptions to the prerequisites.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

AMS402H1 - Topics in American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA402H1

Hours: 24S

In-depth examination of specific themes relating to American Studies.

Prerequisite: 2.0 credits chosen from courses with the AMS/USA designator or from the four American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters (Politics and Economics, Society, Culture, and History) as published in the American Studies section of the Calendar. If you do not have these prerequisites but would like to take the course, please contact the instructor and/or csus@utoronto.ca to discuss exceptions to the prerequisites.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AMS403H1 - Topics in American Studies

Previous Course Number: USA403H1

Hours: 24S

In-depth examination of specific themes relating to American Studies.

Prerequisite: 2.0 credits chosen from courses with the AMS/USA designator or from the four American Studies Program disciplinary/thematic clusters (Politics and Economics, Society, Culture, and History) as published in the American Studies section of the Calendar. If you do not have these prerequisites but would like to take the course, please contact the instructor and/or csus@utoronto.ca to discuss exceptions to the prerequisites.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

AMS494H1 - Independent Studies

Previous Course Number: USA494H1

Independent Studies. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Exclusion: USA494H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science

AMS495Y1 - Independent Studies

Previous Course Number: USA495Y1

Independent Studies. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Exclusion: USA495Y1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science

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