Applicants to the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in American Studies should hold a bachelor’s degree and/or a strong background in American Studies or a related field. In making their application, candidates are expected to submit a substantive letter of intent with a clear statement of their American Studies research interests and their goals in pursuing such investigations on at the master's- or doctoral-level. Only candidates who show purpose and promise, and whose research needs can be appropriately met, are admitted by a committee of the department faculty.
Annual: January 15.
NOTE: Early application is recommended. No new applications are accepted after January 15.
American Studies is an interdisciplinary graduate program focused on the critical analysis of the United States and U.S empire. Students in American Studies are given flexibility while creating their own path through the program with the assistance of faculty. While American Studies encompasses a wide-range of topics, faculty in the program specialize in the following focus areas: Environmental and Social Justice; Feminist, Queer and Transgender Studies; Southwest and Borderlands Studies; Critical Legal Studies ; Critical Indigenous Studies; Cultural Studies, Visual Culture and Popular Culture; Colonialism and Decolonization; and Critical Race, Ethnicity, and Migration Studies.
Students consult with department faculty to develop individual, interdepartmental programs of study in the humanities and social sciences that focus on these or other significant aspects of the United States and U.S. empire.
Taking into consideration the experience and purposes of each student, individualized programs are planned to focus in two major areas of interest with supplementary work in other areas.
All graduate students must take the following in their first three semesters in the program:
Students must also take at least four other American Studies seminars during the completion of M.A. coursework.
General guidelines for completion of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in American Studies are set forth in the Graduate Program section of this Catalog. Taking into consideration the experience and purposes of each student, individualized programs are planned to emphasize three major areas of interest with supplementary work in other areas.
At least 48 credit hours of coursework, exclusive of dissertation, are required for the Ph.D. in American Studies:
Students that hold an M.A. degree may transfer up to 18 credit hours at the discretion of the American Studies department.
The graduate minor in American Studies is only available to Master’s-level students. To complete the minor, students must earn 9 credit hours of 500-level courses (seminars) under Plan I. Under Plan II, students need 12 credit hours of 500-level courses. Under either plan, 1–3 credit hours of Independent Study with a faculty member in American Studies can count toward the minor.
Courses
AMST 1110. Introduction to Environmental and Social Justice. (3)
An introduction to the socially and politically constructed values directing Americans’ attitudes toward nature, science and technology and to the impacts of those attitudes on built and natural environments regionally, nationally and globally. (ESJ)
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
AMST 1120. Introduction to Gender, Sexuality and U.S. Empire. (3)
While Gender Studies is truly a vast field of inquiry, there is great symmetry in the ways in which feminist scholars have been engaged with questions as to how disciplinary apparatuses and discourses shape and construct "gender." This course will begin with the process of peeking into this exciting scholarship, focusing on the "intersectional ties" of identity-that is, how gender has been produced in and through other categories of identity, such as race, class, sexuality, and nation. While there are numerous ways to structure such a course, this course will maneuver through the field of Gender Studies with an eye toward feminisms, race, and U.S. Empire through processes of incarceration, colonialism, and war). In this course, we will explore how the "intersectional ties" of identities have been constructed within a range of institutions, discourses, and processes, such as law, medicine, popular culture, nationalism, colonialism, and empire. Throughout, we will pay close attention to how discourses normalize certain types of identities, practices, and behaviors, and mark others as deviant or unnatural. And, of course, we will look for strategies to contest these productions. This will necessarily place us within key debates in feminist studies of power, agency, activism, and justice at the individual, community, national, and transnational levels, and allow us to end the course by interrogating the role of Gender Studies in regard to current U.S. occupation in the Middle East and Native America. This course will provide a strong foundation for you to pursue studies in feminist, queer, critical race, and postcolonial theories. (GS)
AMST 1130. Introduction to Politics in Popular Culture [Introduction to American Popular Culture]. (3)
This course considers a range of theoretical approaches to the study of popular culture, including cultural studies and feminist theory as well as key concepts and key debates in the study of popular culture. It explores the ways popular culture is implicated in the formation of social determinants such as ethnicity, race, gender, class, and sexuality and conversely, how these social determinants are implicated in the formation of popular culture. The course also considers the ways in which popular culture serves as a site of ongoing political struggle. The aim of the course is to provide students with a critical vocabulary to make sense of broader significance and relevance of popular culture--why popular culture matters. To accomplish this, we will investigate a number of popular expressive forms including magazines, fandom, digital music, and hip hop. (PC)
AMST 1140. Introduction to Critical Race and Indigenous Studies [Introduction to Race, Class and Ethnicity]. (3)
This course offers an introduction to the field of American Studies through an interdisciplinary examination of race, class and ethnicity in the United States and in a global context. Using a schedule of keywords, we will engage a range of central themes and concerns. We will examine histories of injustice, and resistance to injustice. Readings and assignments encourage students to notice the privilege and oppression at the core of U.S. society. The class will challenge the widely accepted assumption that we as a nation have moved beyond race and racism. Through readings, films, online sources, and our assignments, this course aims to increase our knowledge of inequality in our society, and the impact of those inequities on various societies and individuals. (RCE)
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
AMST 1150. Introduction to Southwest Studies. (3)
This course introduces the complex histories, social issues, and cultural experiences of peoples of the southwestern United States. Course materials and discussions also demonstrate the possibilities of interdisciplinary study of regional American culture. It is multicultural in content and multidisciplinary in methodology. We will examine cross-cultural relationships among the peoples of the Southwest within the framework of their expressions and experiences in art, culture, religion; social and political economy. (SS)
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 5: Humanities
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
AMST 1996. Topics. (1-6, no limit Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester. (G)
AMST 2996. Topics. (1-6, no limit Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester. (G)
AMST 303. Law, Violence, and Empire. (3)
(Also offered as POLS 303)
Introduction to the role of law and legal institutions in politics and society. (C)
AMST 309 / 509. Topics in Social Movements. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
An interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of social movements, focusing on cultural and social formations of these movements. Topics include: folklore of social movements; labor struggles; peace movements; land conflicts. (C)
AMST 310 / 510. Topics in Cultural Studies. (3, may be repeated once Δ)
Varying topics undergraduate course. An in-depth study of one subject in the field of interdisciplinary culture studies. Topics may include material culture, folklore, consumerism, public culture, critical theory, cultural identity and language and representation. (C)
AMST 315. Radical Religions and American Transformations. (3)
(Also offered as RELG 315)
This course examines how religion has informed radical visions for a more equal, free, inclusive and fair society, and motivated people to different types of radical action, intended to make those visions reality.
AMST 320. Topics in Environmental and Social Justice. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
The content of this course varies by semester. Topics may include: environmental justice, social movements, law and justice, race and nature, state violence, environmental social theory. (ESJ)
AMST 321. Science, Nature and Anxiety in the Zombie Films of George Romero. (3)
This course will examine the social commentary of George Romero's zombie films. We will consider how Romero's zombies serve as a vehicle to examine social anxieties regarding science, technology, nature, race, class and consumerism.
AMST 330 / 530. Topics in Feminist, Queer and Transgender Studies. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Varying subjects deriving from the contemporary cultural studies focus on matters of gender. Topics include: feminist theory; gender and nature; the factor of gender in disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies. (GS)
AMST 331. Politics of Sex. (3)
(Also offered as WGSS 333)
Scandal, intrigue, drama: the politics of sex are all around us. This course examines the controversies associated with "sex" in US politics, history, and popular culture.
AMST 340/540. Topics in Popular Visual Culture and Critique. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Content varies by semester. Topics include: popular music, popular culture of the 1960s; sex and gender in popular culture; chicano/a vernacular culture; black popular culture; popular environmentalism. (PC)
AMST 341. Topics in Film. (3, may be repeated twice Δ)
Varying subjects, based in theoretical and/or historical approaches. Topics include: sex and gender in popular film; films of the nuclear age; African-American film; ethnicity in American cinema; film theory. (PC)
AMST 350 / 550. Topics in Critical Race Studies. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Offers specialized topics on an alternating basis dealing with race, class and ethnicity in the formation of American life and society. Subject areas include immigration, class formation, conquest, colonization, public policy and civil rights. (RCE)
AMST 357. Topics in African-American Studies. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Offers topics addressing African-American social, cultural, political and intellectual life. Topics include: black social movements, African-American intellectual history, black cultural studies, slavery in the Americas. (RCE)
AMST 360 / 560. Topics in Southwest Studies. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Offers topics dealing with the social, cultural and technological developments among the people of the Southwest. Topics include folk art and material culture; rural, urban and border communities; traditional healing; travel and tourism; Hispano/Chicanos after 1848. (SS)
AMST 361 [346]. Religion in New Mexico. (3)
(Also offered as RELG 346)
This course examines New Mexican religion from the seventeenth century onward, considering how life here shapes religious practice, and how religion factors in how visitors imagine and represent inhabitants.
AMST 370 / 570. Topics in Critical Indigenous Studie. (3, may be repeated fours times Δ)
Topical survey of theoretical approaches, research methodologies and subject areas within the interdisciplinary field of Native American Studies. (RCE)
AMST 371. Indigenous Film. (3)
This course introduces students to the world of Indigenous films, beginning with representations of Indians and moving to the work of Indigenous filmmakers who challenge stereotypes and create Indigenous-centered films.
AMST 380 / 580. Topics in Latinx Studies . (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
This interdisciplinary topics course examines the fastest growing population in the U.S. and includes Latino intellectual history, political and economic relations, recovery projects, music, film and media representations and environment, community and post-colonial studies. (RCE)
AMST 385. The Problem of America: Theories and Methods. (3)
This course explores various theoretical approaches to the problem of America. Focusing on race, indigeneity, gender, sexuality, region, disability, and more, this course gives students the tools they need to create their own intellectual projects. (G)
{Fall}
AMST 400. Topics: Community-Based Activisms in American Studies. (3, may be repeated once Δ)
This course focuses on community-based activisms from an American Studies perspective. Content and focus areas vary by semester.
AMST 485. Senior Seminar in American Studies. (3)
An analysis of the value of synthesis in liberal scholarship. Focus will be on cooperative interdisciplinary research. (G)
{Spring only}
AMST 497. Individual Study. (1-3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
Faculty-supervised individual study in an area of special interest not readily available through conventional course offerings. (G)
AMST *498. Internship. (1-6)
Involves internships in off-campus learning experiences related to the study of American and regional culture and character, such as work in local communities and with relevant institutions. (G)
AMST 499. Honors Thesis. (3)
Development and writing of senior honors thesis under supervision of Faculty Advisor. (G)
Prerequisite: 2110.
Restriction: permission of Undergraduate Director.
{Spring}
AMST 500. American Culture Study Seminar. (3)
Examines the basic texts and methods in the field of American studies through discussion and critical/analytical writing assignments. Required for all American Studies graduate students; restricted to graduate students in the department. (G)
{Fall}
AMST 501. Theories and Methods in American Studies. (3)
Introducing students to a range of American Studies theories and methods, this spring seminar is the second in the required sequence of the American Studies core graduate curriculum and builds on the American Studies proseminar.
Prerequisite: 500.
Restriction: admitted to M.A. American Studies or Ph.D. American Studies.
AMST 502. Research Methods Practicum. (3, may be repeated once Δ)
This seminar reviews: 1) archival and library research; 2) data collection and fieldwork (plus subsequent analysis and presentation of data); 3) processes of hypotheses and theory building; and 4) development of a research proposal. (G)
Prerequisite: 500 and 501.
Restriction: admitted to M.A. American Studies or Ph.D. American Studies.
{Spring}
AMST 509 / 309. Topics in Social Movements. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
An interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of social movements, focusing on cultural and social formations of these movements. Topics include: folklore of social movements; labor struggles; peace movements; land conflicts. (C)
AMST 510 / 310. Topics in Cultural Studies. (3, may be repeated twice Δ)
An in-depth study of one subject in the field of interdisciplinary culture studies. Topics may include material culture, folklore, consumerism, public culture, critical theory, cultural identity and postcolonial studies. (C)
AMST 515. Secularism and U.S. Empire. (3)
This course recognizes the role of religion in the processes and relationships of U.S. imperialism. We'll focus on the similarly important role of secularism in shaping ideologies, practices, and experiences of empire.
NONE 516. Religion, Race, Revolution. (3)
In this seminar we will interrogate ways in which religion has formed white supremacy and colonialism in the context of the United States, as well as globally, and we will consider religious institutions, identities, theologies, and practices as locations of resistance to and revolution against racist and colonialist structures.
AMST 517. Visual Culture. (3)
This course will investigate the role of visual experience in everyday life. The assigned works represent a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to American visual culture, including photography, film, television, material culture, and public art. (C)
AMST 519. Topics in Cultural History. (3, may be repeated once Δ)
Graduate seminars; content varies. Topics include: democracy, culture and history; American landscapes; history and narrative. (C)
AMST 520. Topics in Environmental and Social Justice. (3, may be repeated twice Δ)
Graduate study of subjects in Environmental and Social Justice. Content varies by semester and topics may include: science/technology studies, environmental justice, political economy of nature, environmental social movements, race and nature, law and violence. (ESJ)
AMST 530 / 330. Topics in Feminist, Queer and Transgender Studies. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Varying subjects deriving from the contemporary cultural studies focus on matters of gender. Topics include: feminist theory; gender and nature; the factor of gender in disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies. (GS)
AMST 540/340. Topics in Popular Visual Culture and Critique . (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Content varies by semester. Topics include: popular music, popular culture of the 1960s; sex and gender in popular culture; chicano/a vernacular culture; black popular culture; popular environmentalism. (PC)
AMST 541. The Politics of Visual Culture. (3)
This course will investigate the role of visual experience in everyday life. The assigned works represent a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to American visual culture, including photography, film, television, material culture, and public art.
AMST 550 / 350. Topics in Critical Race Studies . (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Offers specialized topics on an alternating basis dealing with race, class and ethnicity in the formation of American life and society. Subject areas include immigration, class formation, conquest, colonization, public policy and civil rights. (RCE)
AMST 554. Migration, Immigration, and Asylum. (3)
This seminar focuses on issues of migration and immigration to the United States from the mid-20th century to the present, with a focus on transnational migrants and transnational communities.
AMST 560 / 360. Topics in Southwest Studies. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Offers topics dealing with the social, cultural and technological developments among the people of the Southwest. Topics include folk art and material culture; rural, urban and border communities; traditional healing; travel and tourism; Hispano/Chicanos after 1848. (SS)
AMST 570 / 370. Topics in Critical Indigenous Studies. (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
Seminar offering topical survey of theoretical approaches, research methodologies and subject areas within the interdisciplinary field of Native American Studies. (RCE)
AMST 580 / 380. Topics in Latinx Studies . (3, may be repeated four times Δ)
This interdisciplinary topics course examines the fastest growing population in the U.S. and includes Latino intellectual history, political and economic relations, recovery projects, music, film and media representations and environment, community and post-colonial studies. (RCE)
AMST 597. Individual Study-Master's Degree. (1-3 to a maximum of 3 Δ)
Faculty-supervised individual study in an area of special interest not readily available through conventional course offerings. (G)
AMST 599. Master's Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a master’s thesis. (G)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
AMST 697. Individual Study. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Faculty-supervised individual study in an area of special interest not readily available through conventional course offerings. (G)
For Ph.D. candidates only.
AMST 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a doctoral dissertation. (G)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
