Department of American Studies

Whether you are interested in writing, history, advanced education, working in the non-profit sector, or just want to become more familiar with the culture and background of American society, you will find yourself at home in the Department of American Studies.

Undergraduate

Graduate

Recent News

UMN Liberal Arts Engagement Hub Residencies for 2023-24 Announced

The fifth year of residencies have been selected for The Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, part of the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts.

Five students engaging in an in-person classroom discussion

Race, Power, and Justice: 9 courses you should know about

A glimpse into a few of CLA’s course offerings that fulfill the “Race, Power, and Justice in the United States” (RPJ) theme requirement.

Picture of suspected serial killer Jeffrey L. Dahmer is escorted out court

Racism and homophobia enabled Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes

"What many depictions miss is that LGBTQ communities of color were easy prey for Dahmer due to histories of police violence and indifference," PhD alumnus Kidiocus King…

Large mural featuring a woman with a serious expression on her face. She has brown skin and a long black braid. She is nursing a baby and holding a hand out palm forward. She is surrounded by other Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Around them are sunflowers and other plants.

Announcing Graduate Admissions for a Critical Latinx Studies Cohort for Fall 2023

The PhD program in the Department of American Studies is building a Critical Latinx Studies Cohort for admission starting Fall 2023.

University of Minnesota professor Brenda Child sits for a portrait inside the Kling Public Media Center on Monday, June 4, 2018.

Brenda Child Discusses Pope's Apology to Indigenous Communities in Canada

Professor Brenda Child discusses Pope Francis' meeting with Indigenous communities in Canada MPR's Minnesota Now.