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American Culture and Difference

A minor in American culture and difference teaches you to explore a range of cultural traditions and practices through interdisciplinary coursework. By looking at "America" through various lenses, you will re-examine the dominant culture, ultimately looking beyond the headlines and recognizing the histories and contributions of marginalized communities.

Why Study American Culture and Difference at St. Thomas?

The world as we know it is becoming more complex. As we work and live in an increasingly multicultural and globalized environment, it is vital that we are aware of the many layers of American history and culture. This minor examines the vast array of American experiences and lives by highlighting a rich range of traditions and histories shaping our society. The American culture and difference program will prepare you to be a thoughtful, critical and informed citizen.

Seeing America Differently

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Course Requirements

    American culture and difference is a flexible minor. You are required to take seven courses, including a foundational course and a zero-credit capstone class. The remaining five courses come from an array of programs at the university, with the only limitation being you cannot take more than two courses from a single program.

    Four-Year Plan

    We recommend completing AMCD 200 – Foundations of American Culture and Difference early on in your career at St. Thomas. The minor itself is extremely flexible and allows you to complete allied courses as they fit into the rest of your degree plan, ultimately concluding with a capstone course in your final semester.

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in American Culture and Difference

    Please contact us if you are interested in turning the minor into a major.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    American culture and difference is a flexible minor. You are required to take seven courses, including a foundational course and a zero-credit capstone class. The remaining five courses come from an array of programs at the university, with the only limitation being you cannot take more than two courses from a single program.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    We recommend completing AMCD 200 – Foundations of American Culture and Difference early on in your career at St. Thomas. The minor itself is extremely flexible and allows you to complete allied courses as they fit into the rest of your degree plan, ultimately concluding with a capstone course in your final semester.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in American Culture and Difference

    Please contact us if you are interested in turning the minor into a major.

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    Career Paths

    We give you the tools you need to live and work in a globalized world. You can go down multiple career paths with a minor in American culture and difference.

    • Diplomacy
    • Human rights
    • Public policy
    • Graduate school
    • Journalism and media
    • Non-profit management

    Interdisciplinary and Diverse

    American culture and difference gives you the ability to look at America’s history and culture from multiple perspectives.

    Perspective

    Choose from 40 courses spanning over a dozen different programs.

    Diversity

    You join the only interdisciplinary program on campus focused entirely on the study of diversity. Many of our minors are Dease and Excel! Scholars.

    Options

    A minor in American culture and difference contributes to a variety of career paths.

    Gain Practical Experience

    You will have a variety of opportunities throughout your time at St. Thomas that will push you outside of your comfort zone.

    ACD minors have the opportunity to present at events like Troubling Waters, an interdisciplinary discussion on representations of power, race, gender and class in American culture.

    Our students often collaborate with professors on research projects, an experience that provides a springboard for graduate study. There are multiple opportunities to apply for research grants to help jump-start your project as well.

    You have the option of turning the minor into a major with the addition of four or five extra courses. In the last year, three minors have chosen to convert their minor into a major area of study.

    American Culture and Difference video

    See Culture

    American culture and difference students gain a unique perspective on American society throughout their time at St. Thomas. They graduate as compassionate citizens and thoughtful professionals equipped with skills that help them navigate a complex and globalized world.

    Take the Next Step

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