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 | 150 | 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. Formerly AMST 050.
| AMST | 264 | American Ethnic and Regional Writers | 3.0 Fall |
An interdisciplinary study of the culture and literature <197> oral and written <197> 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. Formerly AMST 170.
| AMST | 322 | 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. Formerly AMST 146.
| AMST | 335 | 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. Formerly AMST 135.
| AMST | 340 | 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. Formerly AMST 138.
| AMST | 343 | Technology and Science in America | 3.0 EvnFa |
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. Formerly AMST 155.
| AMST | 345 | 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. Formerly AMST 145.
| AMST | 365 | American Folklore | 3.0 Fall |
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. Formerly AMST 165.
| AMST | 398 | Special Topics | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. 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. Formerly AMST 198.
| AMST | 399 | Special Problems | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. 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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly AMST 199.
| AMST | 435 | Historical Geography of North America | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
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. Formerly AMST 235.
| AMST | 440 | 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. Formerly AMST 240.
| AMST | 498 | Special Topics | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. 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. Formerly AMST 298.