UNDERGRADUATE FACTWest SHEET Chester University of Pennsylvania AMERICAN STUDIES

American studies emerged as an academic movement Graduates of the department have pursued advanced shortly after World War II. With the United States degrees at the following: becoming a world leader at a time when growing Columbia University specialization was fragmenting knowledge and com- munication, many American scholars felt compelled George Washington University School of Law to integrate information and insights from numerous Pennsylvania State University sources in an effort to understand what was “American” Temple University Law School about America. University of Delaware The American studies program operates on the assump- University of Pennsylvania tion that all aspects of America’s intellectual, artistic, and material culture are valuable sources of information Undergraduate Degree and insights about American civilization. American Bachelor of Arts in History with a Concentration studies is interdisciplinary in nature because it draws in American Studies. The American studies pro- from a number of academic disciplines covering many gram seeks to understand the interrelatedness of the facets of American civilization to understand American American experience. The program deals with the culture. relationships of ideas and actions, forms and values, and Career Opportunities assumptions and aspirations by incorporating material American studies educates you for a wide range of from such academic disciplines as anthropology, art careers. In particular, graduates from our program are history, history, literature, music history, and material prepared for careers in historic preservation, journalism, culture. law, library services, and museums. Many American Minor studies students enter the fields of business manage- ment, public administration, and sales. Additional The American studies minor is designed for those who academic study is necessary for careers in some of these wish to gain an understanding of the ideas, principles, areas. values, and forms of American civilization while pursu- Graduates of the department have found employment ing a different academic major. with the following organizations: Typical Courses Chester County Historical Society American Civilization Cahners (formerly Chilton Company publishers) American Material Culture Lincoln Financial Services Manhood in America Options for Women Myths and Modernization Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

UNDERGRADUATE FACT SHEET FACT UNDERGRADUATE Special Study Opportunities Philadelphia Inquirer An American studies internship offers you the oppor- QVC Network tunity to work with various institutions, agencies, and Scott Paper Company (Kimberly-Clark) companies, including architectural firms, environmental Siemens agencies, historic preservation offices, historical societ- Team Defense Project ies, museums, newspapers, and video producers.

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Faculty Chester University was founded in 1871 as West Chester Nor- Since the American studies program requires a broad range mal School for the purpose of training teachers for the Com- of American topics courses from as many as eight academic monwealth’s newly established public schools. In 1960, West departments, a large number of professors participate in the Chester State Teachers College expanded its programs to in- program. You can obtain a complete listing of faculty and their clude liberal arts and graduate degrees and, as a result, dropped academic qualifications for this program from the American “Teachers” from its name. In 1983, West Chester State Col- Studies coordinator. lege became one of the 14 institutions in the State System of For More Information Higher Education. Along with its university status, the school acquired a new system of governance and the opportunity to American Studies Coordinator expand its degree programs. 500 Main Hall Today, more than 15,400 graduate and undergraduate students, West Chester University along with 1,500 faculty and staff, study and work on the 406- acre campus. Situated in the Borough of West Chester, the West Chester, PA 19383 campus is a picturesque mix of Gothic, Victorian, and modern 610–436–2201 architecture with pleasant, tree-shaded walks. Web page: http://www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEMICS/sch_cas/ Strategically located at the center of the mid-Atlantic corridor am_stu/ between New York City and Washington, D.C., West Ches- Undergraduate Catalog: http://www.wcupa.edu/_information/ ter is just 25 miles west of Philadelphia and 17 miles north of official.documents/undergrad.catalog/ Wilmington. About West Chester University Information on Admission A comprehensive, public institution, West Chester University offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs Office of Admissions in more than 100 subject areas, as well as certification and cer- Emil H. Messikomer Hall, 100 West Rosedale Ave. tificate programs. As one of the largest members of the Penn- West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383 sylvania State System of Higher Education, West Chester offers 610–436–3411 • Toll-free: 1–877–315–2165 a full and rewarding educational experience as well as reasonable E-mail: [email protected] tuition. WCU home page: www.wcupa.edu Facebook: www.facebook.com/wcupa With a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century, West

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