<p>I'll be a freshmen at Williams this fall, and am looking into potential majors. I had always thought I'd do American Studies, however, now I found that all history majors are required to pick a concentration, and there were two American history concentrations which I would like very much. In American Studies, a concentration is also required, however, only one appealed to me, something about politics and society in America.</p>
<p>My question is: what exactly is American studies about and how does it differ from a typical American history course of study? My interests are primarily in American history, with a particular focus on political history. I'm pretty confused as to what I should do, and suggestions would be appreciated!</p>
<p>Come here, take an American history class, take another History class, and jsut look around. You have a while to decide what you want to do, you can shop around for a while.</p>
<p>I'm an '07 American studies and poli sci double major (and Africana studies concentrator), and I think the AMST major at Williams is pretty great. The interdisciplinary nature of AMST means you can take history, poli sci, music, english and art history classes that all count for the major. You choose a focus within AMST (mine is race & ethnicity; yours would probably be power, politics, and belief). </p>
<p>"I'm pretty confused as to what I should do, and suggestions would be appreciated!"</p>
<p>Kev,
Here's a suggestion. Enjoy the remainder of your High School career, have a wonderful summer with your friends, and look forward to a great adventure beginning in August at First Days. </p>
<p>You have two years before you have to declare your major. You may change your mind several times before that, and I'm sure you'll figure it out.</p>