Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Humanities, American Studies Concentration, BA


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The American Studies concentration of the Humanities BA provides a San José State home for the study of U.S. cultures. Our courses, research, and events emphasize the cultural, political, and social aspects of the United States, past and present. In addition to our core faculty, we draw our instructors from departments throughout the university in order to integrate disciplines and themes. 

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 44
Major Preparation 0-24
Major Core Requirements 33
Concentration Electives 12-16
University Electives 3-31
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

Major-Specific Graduation Requirements

Students in this major should consult their advisor regarding American Institutions requirement. Depending on sequence(s) a student chooses, 0-30 units of GE/AI can be met in the major.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (30 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or specific questions.

Upper Division General Education (3 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 6 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions


The 6 units of American Institutions (US123)  requirement may be satisfied in the major (if identified below) or by transfer from a community college or university. Other courses meet the American Institutions requirement, but may not include additional GE areas. The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ) programs both offer larger integrated packages that meet this requirement.

Consult major advisor for department recommended coursework to meet GE requirement.

Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 units)


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found in the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  section. A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirement

Recommended Major Preparation (0-24 units)


Recommended that native students complete one of the sequences below, in consultation with Advisor. Any student who completes the American Institutions requirement will have met this area.

Complete One Sequence From:

Major Requirements (45 units)


Additional Major Courses (9 units)


Choose three in addition to any American Studies course chosen above.

Major Electives (12-16 units)


Choose Four Courses From The Following Lists In One Of Three Ways: Topical, Time Period, Or Courses Chosen Evenly Across Multiple Disciplines. Consult American Studies Advisor For More Information And Options.

University Electives (3-31 units)


The Department highly recommends majors complete the following:

  • One year of college level foreign language or equivalent related to chosen area 0-10 unit(s)

Total Units Required (120 units)


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