Perspective
Choose from 40 courses spanning over a dozen different programs.
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
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.
Impacting Society in Multiple Ways
Our goal is to help students lead, work and serve with the skill and empathy needed for creating a better world. Here is how our faculty, students and alumni are living this mission every day.
Dr. Todd Lawrence
Dr. Lawrence has taught in American culture and difference for fifteen years. His research and teaching focuses on the Black Arts Movement, James Baldwin, racial passing, black speculative writing and ethnographic writing. His work straddles a number of areas, but generally sits at the intersection of identity, narrative, community and culture. He recently published When They Blew the Levee: Race, Politics, and Community in Pinhook, Missouri.
Ben Nebo '08
After graduating from St. Thomas, Ben pursued a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in international management and Mandarin Chinese at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. He then worked with the Peace Corps in Malawi, and now serves as a U.S. diplomat in China. His duties as a Foreign Consular Officer include awarding visas and engaging in public diplomacy with student visa outreach programs.
Chioma Uwagwu '20
Chioma is a first-generation American double majoring in communication and journalism and American culture and difference. She studied race and gender during a J-term in Cuba, and her research focuses on how advertisers use sex, gender and sexuality in advertisements. Chioma works on campus as a resident assistant and has a passion for ensuring student voices are heard by university administration. She hopes to pursue graduate school to either become a ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ or work in crisis communications.
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.
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.
Faculty with Real Experience
Dr. Heather Shirey
Dr. Shirey is ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ and chair of the graduate program in art history.
Dr. Kanishka Chowdhury
Dr. Chowdhury is the director of American culture and difference and researches how culture, politics, ethics and aesthetics intersect with each other.
Dr. Angela High-Pippert
Dr. High-Pippert is a ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ, chair of the political science program and associated faculty in women’s studies.
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 ²ÝÁñÊÓƵs 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.
Prepared for What’s Next
We teach and develop students into socially responsible citizens. After completing your minor, you will be ready for whatever comes next in life.
Ready for the Next Chapter
An American culture and difference minor prepares you for life after St. Thomas. Alumni have gone on to pursue graduate degrees at schools like Yale and Purdue, and our students have opportunities to meet visiting speakers and present research at regional, national and international conferences. No matter what your path is, our program has the resources inside and outside of the classroom to give you invaluable skills you need to succeed.
Expand Your Horizons
Expand your horizons by studying abroad. You can study in places like Cuba, Bolivia and Hawai'i.
Dive Deeper Into Your Coursework
Our foundational courses have access to excellent audio-visual resources, further enhancing your interactions with your peers and ²ÝÁñÊÓƵs in the classroom.
Your Teachers and Mentors
Not only are our faculty your teachers, but they are also nationally-recognized scholars. They will provide you with the individualized attention you need to reach your personal and professionals goals.
Pursue Your Passion
Your final capstone project provides you with the opportunity to develop and build on a research project that focuses on a topic of your choice.
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
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.