Academics
The American Studies Program at Saint Michael's College is devoted to the interdisciplinary study of history, culture and social institutions in the United States. The major coordinates faculty and courses drawn from a wide range of departments within the College, including English, history, political science, journalism and mass communications, fine arts, economics and geography, sociology and anthropology, philosophy and religious studies.
The American Studies major offers an opportunity to explore the commonalities and differences among Americans through an understanding of the rich and pluralistic complexity of American cultures, institutions and identities. Students are expected to develop a solid grounding in history as a basis and context for their other investigations of American culture, and they are encouraged to undertake comparative studies of culture. Students will work closely with an advisor to develop a program that is both interdisciplinary and that pursues significant themes or questions in depth. Students with interests in careers such as law, business, journalism, social work, government, teaching and public health will find American Studies a valuable base for later work
Ray Patterson
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
Lorrie Smith
Professor of English and American Studies
Amy Werbel
Associate Professor of Fine Arts, Art