Study of the Americas (STAM)

Related Catalog Entry: College of Arts and Sciences / Study of the Americas

Related Mason Website: Study of the Americas (http://www.gmu.edu/departments/stam/)

303, 304 Introduction to the Study of the Americas I, II (3:3:0). Prerequisite: 30 credits. Study of the diverse yet related regions, societies, cultures, and peoples of the Americas. STAM 303 focuses on selected topics up to 1800; STAM 304 introduces selected topics since 1800. The courses introduce students to the various methodologies involved in the study of the histories and cultures of the Americas. Students majoring in the study of the Americas should take this two-course sequence in order, and before all other courses in the major. Preference in enrollment is given to majors in the study of the Americas. Enrollment is limited to 30.

310 Places and the Study of the Americas (3:3:0). Prerequisite: 45 credits. Examination of the relationship between natural and social space and the various societies and cultures of the Americas in the overall historical context of their economic, political, and ideological structures and practices. Particular subtitles often drawn from the fields of geography and literature are announced. May be repeated when the subtitle and content of the course are different.

320 Peoples and the Study of the Americas (3:3:0). Prerequisite: 45 credits. Examination of the relationships between the various peoples of the Americas in the overall historical context of their economic, political, and ideological structures and practices. Particular subtitles often drawn from the fields of anthropology, art history, history, and sociology are announced. May be repeated when the subtitle and content of the course are different.

330 Eras and the Study of the Americas (3:3:0). Prerequisite: 45 credits. Examination of the relationship between specific historic eras and the various societies and cultures of the Americas in the overall historical context of their economic, political, and ideological structures and practices. Particular subtitles often drawn from the fields of art history and history are announced. May be repeated when the subtitle and content of the course are different.

340 Institutions and the Study of the Americas (3:3:0). Prerequisite: 45 credits. Examination of the relationship between specific institutions and the various societies and cultures of the Americas in the overall historical context of their economic, political, and ideological structures and practices. Particular subtitles often drawn from the fields of anthropology, communication, public affairs, and sociology are announced. May be repeated when the subtitle and content of the course are different.

410 Senior Seminar in the Study of the Americas (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Minors in the study of the Americas with 15 credits. Capstone course in which students investigate a specialized topic (chosen by the professor) from the perspective of their individualized concentration in the major. Each student successfully completes a research project that results in a seminar paper of 25 to 30 pages. s

490 Internship in the Study of the Americas (3-12:0:0). Prerequisite: Permission of the program director. Nonpaying, work-study positions in organizations concerned with the Americas. Internships are available with organizations such as government agencies, nongovernment agencies, public interest groups, labor unions, political parties, political activist groups, publications, religious groups, and businesses. Three credits are the usual load, but an internship semester is also possible. Opportunities and requirements for an internship can be discussed with the director of the program. Specific arrangements must be made with, and approved by, the faculty advisor and the program director. Placement depends on availability of positions, and preference is given to majors in the study of the Americas.

499 Independent Research in the Study of the Americas (1-6:0:0). Prerequisites: Majors in the study of the Americas with 75 credits, and permission of instructor and program director. Intensive investigation of a particular question or problem related to the study of the Americas. Project is proposed by an individual student and carried out in consultation with a member of the center faculty.

690 Internship (2-6:0:0). Prerequisite: Permission of program director. Internships are nonpaying, work-study positions established by the STAM program with employers involved in interdisciplinaray STAM issues. Qualified students are placed with area schools, interest groups, agencies, museums, parks, or corporations. Placement depends upon availability of positions.