The coronavirus crisis has resulted in major shifts within all of our lives, unfortunately including the delay of graduation celebrations and ceremonies for college seniors. While we may not be able to celebrate in person, our “Celebrating AMST Seniors” series is dedicated to recognizing and congratulating seniors graduating with majors in American Studies for their accomplishes and sharing what they appreciated about the major during their time at UNC.
Q: What are your majors and minors?
A: Major: American Studies, Minors: Writing for the Screen and Stage/Sexuality Studies.
Q: What has been your favorite course or professor in American Studies?
A: Course: Myth and History in American Memory; Professor (different class): Annette Rodriguez
Q: What do you wish people knew about American Studies?
A: We study present-day America as much as we study past-America.
Q: How has studying American Studies affected your understanding of life in America, or what has your biggest takeaway from your time in American Studies been?
A: My biggest takeaway is that we should question everything about the America we live in. We should question our history textbooks, our institutions and our systems. We are constantly repeating history until someone breaks the cycle.
Q: Why should students pursue a major or minor in American Studies?
A: The professors within the department are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about their work. In addition, its interdisciplinary nature allowed me to take courses across Carolina and get credit for the major. I have taken classes in Geography, Religious Studies, Women and Gender Studies, and Communications.