American Studies Program

University of California, Davis

American Studies explores the cultures of the United States in conver­sation with their transnational exchanges and impacts. Through the program, our students gain an understanding of the various historical and contemporary cultures and populations in the United States, as well as the dynamics that define their lives, values, and beliefs … (more)

Interdisciplinary Thinking

American Studies takes as its subject American culture. Our aim is to make each student a culture critic, a person capable of bringing a thoughtful and humane approach to bear upon our understanding of the varieties of American experience. Making connections is the way we like to characterize our work in American Studies, and we see three related ways of doing that. (more)

What can I do with an American Studies degree?

American Studies provides an excellent, broad education in the liberal arts. Our goal is that you become a good critical thinker, that you develop excellent writing skills, and that you “learn how to learn,” that is, you learn to figure out what intellectual tools and specialized knowledge you will need to perform a task or solve a problem. We believe these intellectual and communication skills will prepare you for just about anything you face after graduation. (more)

American Studies Resources

What subjects do we cover? What do American Studies scholars write about? Where can I find out more? (more)

American Studies News!

April 25: Charlotte Biltekoff is giving a talk at the International House on as part of the "Fun Food Fest: What's On Your Plate?" from 1-5 pm (read more)

Ari Kelman's book Station Identification is coming out any moment from UC Press — put in your order now! (read more)

Carolyn de la Peña gave a talk for American Studies program at the University of Texas at Austin and at the University of Iowa on her forthcoming book, Empty Pleasures: Making and Marketing Artificial Sweetener from Saccharin to Splenda

May 13: Ari Y Kelman is speaking on his book Station Identification at the Jewish Community Library of the Bay. (read more)

May 17: Ari Y Kelman is speaking at the Spertus Institute in Chicago on the relationship between young American Jews and Israel. (read more)