American Studies, M.A.

The UMPI YourPace M.A. in American Studies enables students to investigate and analyze the experiences of diverse groups of people of the United States through an interdisciplinary lens in order to prepare them to contend with a range of problems which confront our society of the 21st century. Students’ exploration of major themes in American history and culture from different perspectives will equip them with an awareness through which to understand, think rigorously about, and address contemporary issues from the standpoint of their historical and cultural antecedents. 

Program Learning Outcomes

1. AMS MA 1: Investigate significant social and political problems in the American experience through an interdisciplinary approach using relevant primary and secondary sources, media, and methodologies. 

2. AMS MA 2: Examine the ways in which differences of class, ethnicity, religion, gender, race and region are embedded in perspectives, practices, and histories of American culture, politics, practices, and society.

3. AMS MA 3: Examine the history of attitudes, practices, and definitions concerning “America” and “Americans”, and evaluate how these continue to create barriers for some and opportunities for others.

4. AMS MA 4: Analyze perspectives on violence and death and their impact on “America”, “Americans”, and American culture.

5. AMS MA 5: Articulate the relationship between material culture and American cultural identity while analyzing artifacts to draw conclusions about social values and historical contexts.

6. AMS MA 6: Explore and document personal experiences and narratives, analyzing how these stories reflect and influence American culture and collective memory.

7. AMS 7: Critically evaluate social, cultural, and institutional factors shaping identity and inequality in American society, with a focus on intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and class.

8. AMS 8: Examine the impact of media and technology on cultural norms, political movements, and social change, and evaluate their role in shaping modern American life.