American Studies Program Handbook

Michigan State University's American Studies Program attracts U. S. and international students from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds. Emphasizing interdisciplinarity and intellectual diversity, the program is particularly strong in critical media studies, popular culture, cultural globalization, American radicalism, museum studies, jazz studies, music and ethnography, history of medicine, technology and society, Great Lakes cultures, border studies, Japanese-American relations, and American Indian studies. Graduate students will also find ample opportunity to explore the intersections among traditional disciplines, such as literature and history.

The handbook includes sections detailing Program Components and Plan Options, Degree Requirements, Selection of the Thesis/Dissertation Advisor, Formation of the Guidance Committee, Dissertation/Thesis Defense and Final Oral Exam, Departmental Policies, Creative Activities, Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Work Related Policies, and University Resources. Appendixes cover AMS Affiliated Faculty, the Guidance Committee and Progress Report Forms, AHA Ethical Standards, and the MSU Code of Teaching Responsibility.

A copy of the current Handbook is available from the American Studies office in Bessey Hall.

The previous handbook for the American Studies Program was released in 2005. It may be downloaded as a PDF: 2005 Handbook