The Curriculum in American Studies was established in 1968 and became the Department of American Studies in 2008. It was one of the first interdisciplinary programs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since then, American Studies has developed a tradition of vigorous teaching and innovative curriculum that offers students stimulating opportunities to study the United States and the
diversity of its peoples, institutions, texts, performances, places, and influence. The Department’s commitment to interdisciplinary approaches empowers students to value the nation’s complexity by engaging with a variety of historical, literary, artistic, political, social and ethnic perspectives. American Studies graduates gain a comprehension of these dynamics of American culture that prepares them to make a responsible and critical difference in the variety of professions they choose to pursue.
