American Studies examines the American experience, including American identity, cultural practices, and history, through a broad-ranging curriculum. An American Studies minor is useful for students planning to work in such fields as writing, education, government, museums, social justice organizations, law, and many others or to continue on to graduate study in most disciplines.

Students may select courses in anthropology, history, literature, art and architecture, philosophy, religion, political science, sociology, and others. The area around Bridgewater also offers many rich library, museum, service, and civic resources to complement the classroom experience, and students are encouraged to take advantage of these resources through internships, other experiential learning, and/or archival research, in consultation with the American Studies Coordinator and their advisor. The American Studies program sponsors an annual internships fair each spring with more information about internship opportunities.

For further information, contact the American Studies Coordinator, Dr. Heidi Bean, at heidi.bean@bridgew.edu.