COURSE CURRICULUM

The American Studies concentration within the Humanities BA at San Jose State University is a 120-unit interdisciplinary program that combines general education with a flexible and integrative study of U.S. culture, society, and history. The degree includes 25 units of lower division general education, 6 units of American Institutions, 9 units of upper division general education, a 2-unit physical education requirement, and a 3-unit writing requirement, along with 3 units of lower division and 2–4 units of upper division Humanities and the Arts college requirements. Students complete 45–49 units of major coursework, optional 0–12 units of recommended preparation, and 7–25 units of electives. The program begins with foundational humanities courses that build critical thinking, digital literacy, and analytical skills, followed by core classes such as HUM 80, HUM 95, HUM 101, and a senior seminar that integrates learning across the major. Students then explore comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives through courses that connect U.S. culture to global contexts, along with additional American Studies courses focused on topics like the American Dream, popular culture, and society. The curriculum offers significant flexibility through a wide range of electives organized into thematic areas such as values and ideas, arts and popular culture, history and politics, gender and sexuality, and race and ethnicity. This allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests while gaining a broad understanding of American life. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning by drawing courses from multiple departments, and it also recommends foreign language study to enhance global awareness. Overall, the degree develops strong analytical, research, and communication skills while preparing students for careers in education, public service, media, cultural institutions, and further academic study.