American Studies Course Offerings
Please see the section on “Course Description Symbols and Terms” in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology
and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All
courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise
stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many
syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
AMST 050
Introduction to American Studies 3.0 Fa/Spr
Basic course in American Studies. An interdisciplinary study of major aspects
of American character and values from the colonial period to the twentieth
century focusing on those characteristics and ideas which have helped define
us as “American.” This is an approved General Education course.
AMST 135
American Popular Culture 3.0 Fa/Spr
Interdisciplinary study of American popular culture from an historical/cultural
perspective, with particular emphasis on how popular culture is both created
and consumed and on how it affects and reflects contemporary American society.
This is an approved General Education course.
AMST 138
Working in America 3.0 Inquire
This course surveys the history of labor and work (paid and unpaid) in
America from the colonial era to the present. It examines topics and interpretations
representing the “old” and the “new” labor history in the context of America’s
industrial, economic, political, social, and cultural development.
This course is the same as HIST 138 which may be substituted.
AMST 145
American Lives 3.0 Fall
An interdisciplinary study of autobiographical literature (personal narratives,
diaries, journals, etc.) emphasizing the experience of being/becoming American,
with particular attention to ethnic identity, race, gender, and social
class. This is an approved General Education course.
AMST 146
Religion and American Society 3.0 Fa/Spr
An introduction to the impact of religion on American society and an analysis
of how religion has shaped and has been shaped by American ideals, values,
and institutions. Topics include American civil religion; evangelicalism,
fundamentalism, and the “new religious right”; religious pluralism; religion
and racism, religious freedom issues; and political uses of religion in
American history.
This course is the same as R S 146 which may be substituted.
AMST 155
Technology and Science in America 3.0 EvnFall
This course explores the origins and significance of technological and
scientific ideas, developments, and artifacts in American history from
the colonial era to the present, viewing technology and science as social
and cultural phenomena. An emphasis is placed on the social, cultural,
political, and economic impact of technology and science in American history.
This course is the same as HIST 155 which may be substituted.
AMST 165
American Folklore 3.0 Fall
Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
An interdisciplinary study of the language, themes, and forms of the American
folk, from myths and legends to folktales, foodways, and festivals. This
is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies
writing proficiency for majors.
AMST 170
American Ethnic and Regional Writers 3.0 Fall
An interdisciplinary study of the culture and literature — oral and written
— of an American ethnic group or groups, with emphasis on ties to particular
regions and traditions. This is an approved General Education course. This
is an approved Ethnic Course.
This course is the same as ENGL 170 which may be substituted.
AMST 198
Special Topics 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr
This course is for special topics offered as 198A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units
respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and
may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See
The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
AMST 199
Special Problems 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr
This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered
as 199A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. A special research project
in American culture designed by the student in cooperation with the faculty
adviser at the beginning of the semester and concluded within that same
semester. Credit/no credit grading only.
AMST 235
Historical Geography of North America 3.0 Fa/Spr
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
A regional and topical description of North America at selected time periods,
including cultural groups, land tenure systems, settlement patterns, agriculture,
exploration and mapping, resource use, urbanization, population and migrations,
and present-day results.
This course is the same as GEOG 235 which may be substituted.
AMST 240
American Thought and Character 3.0 Inquire
Significant ideas in American history, 1607 to present; the influence of
Puritanism, the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and modern science upon American
character and society.
This course is the same as HIST 240 which may be substituted.
AMST 298
Special Topics 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr
This course is for special topics offered as 298A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units
respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and
may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See
The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
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