American Studies
Administrative Information
Program Director: Prof. Andrew Delbanco, 321 Hamilton; 854-6698; ad19@columbia.edu
Associate Director: Prof. Robert Amdur, 311 Hamilton; 854-4049; rla2@columbia.edu
Assistant Director: Angela Darling, 319 Hamilton; 854-6698; amd44@columbia.edu
Chair, Service Learning Committee: Prof. Casey Blake, 504 Fayerweather; 854-1785; cb460@columbia.edu
Chair, Advisory Board: Prof. Robert Amdur, 311 Hamilton; 854-4049; rla2@columbia.edu
Administrative Coordinator: Veronica Hylton, 319 Hamilton; 854-6698; vfh2101@columbia.edu
Program Office: 319-321 Hamilton; 854-6698
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Affiliated Faculty Rachel Adams Casey N. Blake Jeremy Dauber Andrew Delbanco Robert A. Ferguson Eric Foner Todd Gitlin Farah Griffin |
Alice Kessler-Harris Rebecca Kobrin Roosevelt Montas Ross Posnock Wayne Proudfoot Rosalind Rosenberg Maura Spiegel |
The American studies program offers students the opportunity to explore the experience and values of the people of the United States as embodied in their history, literature, politics, art, and other enduring forms of cultural expression. The program seeks to prepare students to confront with historical awareness the pressing problems that face our society. The program takes advantage of Columbia's location in New York by involving students with the life of the city—working with community service organizations such as the Double Discovery Center, which serves disadvantaged high school students; and by inviting leading figures on the New York political and cultural scene to participate in colloquia, public conferences, and in the classroom. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to be open and flexible while taking seriously the challenge of striving for a liberal education that helps prepare students for responsible citizenship.
Advising
Each American studies major or concentrator is assigned an academic adviser who monitors their progress through graduation. With at least ten advisers for each academic year, students are assured of individual attention and guidance. Advisers meet with students at least twice a semester.
Departmental Honors
Students with a 3.6 minimum GPA in the major and an outstanding senior project are considered for honors. Normally no more than 10 percent of graduating majors receive departmental honors in a given year.