American Studies, Cinema Studies, and Classical Studies are the three newest degree emphases approved for the Integrated Studies program. “Recent additions of emphases that themselves are interdisciplinary, like Classical Studies and American Studies, continue our push for interdisciplinary study on campus,” said Dr. Scott Abbott, director of the Integrated Studies Program.
Available on campus since 1998, Integrated Studies allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree by taking core classes along with at least two emphases. Although students’ chosen emphases may vary greatly, they will have to show how they relate to each other. “A student with emphases in Cinema Studies and Gender Studies, for instance, would have the tools to write a fascinating thesis on gender roles in 1930s American Films, for instance. Or a student with emphases in Classical Studies and American Studies might write a thesis on American architecture with classical roots,” said Abbott.
“American Studies is the interdisciplinary study of how Americans create meaning in their lives. This includes to examination of various literary and cultural texts that were generated in America: religious texts, poetry, art, music, film, and more are all cultural artifacts worthy of study within this program,” said Mark Olson, coordinator for Integrated and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Cinema Studies is the study of aesthetics, theory, history and reception in film. “Cinema Studies is looking at movies as social, political history in a cultural context.
“Classical Studies is the study of Ancient Greek and Roman history, literature and civilization, and how they relate to the modern world,” said Olson.
“With 34 emphases currently available, three emphases in art that we hope will be approved later this year, and emphases in Peace and Justice Studies and Gender Studies that will hopefully be approved as well, students have a large set of choices,” said Abbott. Minors are also available for any major regardless of the degree.
