American Culture Studies
American Culture Studies (ACS) asks eternal questions in new ways, and new questions using refined methods from a variety of disciplines: What is the meaning of America, and, what is the role of the United States, to us and to the world? How has that meaning changed over time? How do we understand it from different perspectives, depending upon our gender, race, class, or ethnicity? How do we understand American culture through novels, television, activism, paintings, video games, festivals, movies, fanzines, music, social media, graphic novels, webisodes, material culture, and new forms of expression that are only now being explored? In our courses, internships, research, and capstone experiences, our students and faculty ask and answer these questions.
By doing so, our students develop skills highly valued by employers that serve them in the careers that they follow beyond BGSU: critical thinking, analysis of a range of sources, qualitative research, public speaking, clear writing, and, just as important, nuanced ways of understanding the changing culture in which we live and work.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in American Culture Studies are expected to be able to:
- Think in an interdisciplinary way, drawing on holistic, critical, and connective models of analysis;
- Communicate orally and in writing about the cultural contexts of human expression and behavior;
- Discuss the multicultural and pluralistic nature of American culture, and develop an appreciation for the diversity of our national cultural heritage;
- Investigate relationships between theories of culture and various cultural traditions.
Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022 - 2023. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
The School of Cultural and Critical Studies including American Culture Studies underwent Program/Cluster Review during 2021-2022.
Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The American Culture Studies program does not lead to professional licensure.
Gainful Employment (If applicable)
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
The American Culture Studies program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.
Updated: 12/03/2024 02:22PM