To think American studies is a stupid subject?

[firsttimeucaser]

DD's school (in year 12) have been encouraging students to decide what university course they want to apply for next year.

DD came home yesterday and said that she has decided she's going to apply for 'American studies'.

AIBU to think that this is a stupid subject? From what I have read about it, it seems like a course about American history/literature/politics, but wouldn't she just be better doing a general History//Politics degree and choosing modules to do with the USA if that's what she wants?

I suppose, as an employer myself, I think I would find it very odd if a British person with no American connections had a degree in 'American studies'. I can't see how it's very useful.

totally depends on her career aspirations and her interests

it's her choice though at the end of the day

Waste of fucking time.

Up (down?) there with Women's Studies and Theatre Arts.

I say that as a lecturer in a proper subject at a great university.

America is the most powerful nation in the world. Why would studying it's politics and culture be 'stupid'?

It's a social science/ arts degree. They don't generally lead directly into careers. They aren't vocational.

When I went to uni I had the 1k ish fees. I was able to pay my fees and rent out of my student loan (provided I picked the cheapest accommodation). So I felt no need to pick a vocational degree. (I did English Lit). These days... I might choose differently. But an American Studies degree is no more or less 'stupid' than any arts degree. Not everyone can face 3 years of studying accountancy....

I wanted to do this as it offered such a broad range of history, politics and literature but was pursuaded to do a joint honour with English literature because of the doubts you express above.

Really regret it, wish I had stuck to my guns. It (unexpectedly) turned out that the part I was most interested in was politics but couldn’t do as many modules as I wanted in that area because of obligation to English lit.

If you think your child should be doing a vocational degree that’s a different matter, but if they’re going to be doing any BA then it should be something they’re interested in and passionate about.

I have a degree from a Russel group university in American and Canadian studies. I studied history, media, literature and politics as well as modules in sociology. Its multi disciplinary approach to learning benefits the student, creating a holistically educated adult (IMO). I actually don’t think it matters which culture of history or literature youre studying (North America, Latin America, China, Europe) each has its own rich, fascinating aspects to explore. Whichever you study, you will use the same/similar skills of evaluation, analysis, synthesis - empowering and facilitating young minds to think independently, draw conclusions and apply them later on. This is what I think should be attractive to employers.

I also really enjoyed my degree, it was enjoyable and i didn’t miss lectures or seminars because I was interested in the subject matter- something else to think about the money being spent. But also enjoyment of subject matter is important for effective education. I am now a teacher in secondary school with whole school responsibility. It has not held me back in any way.

no it is probably not 'stupid' there will be modules in history, literature and so on.

Bully for you pedigree. Am sure you have a lovely time teaching your straight A students in your proper subject at your great university. It’s fantastic howevrem that there are also other more interesting subjects/education facilities around for lesser mortals.

If someone has a carer idea in mind then a vocation subject related to that career is most important.
However, for those people who have no career idea in mind then the best advice is for them to pick something they enjoy and think they will be good at. Over 60% of graduate level jobs don't care what you study just that you have studied - it's all about the transferable skills developed.

And it is very rude to slate a subject - some people make careers and dedicate a lot of time teaching and researching these subjects.

Sooo many typos....sorry!

My first degree was in a similar vein - a lot of fun but not particularly useful when looking for a job (it’s a lot harder these days). Employers aren’t queueing up for sociology grads! My further studies were more vocational and a lot more useful.

I don’t think I would choose to spend £9k on something that although fun, didn’t give me a direction. I’d rather take a year out to have a good think about what I wanted to do work-wise.

I would like to have the categorical list of “proper” and (presumably) “improper” subjects. As a senior lecturer in a RG university, I must have missed the memo somewhere along the line.

@pedigreeracer ....academic snobbery at its finest!

There are people in my family like Pedigree - it put some of us off university altogether...

like when he sneered at me about 'social sciences' - that did put my degree off for another year or two...:)

pedigree is not an academic, not in my book

It’s a good general degree to go onto other things. I’ve known a couple of people who did the subject and both have gone into journalism type jobs where their knowledge of American history and culture has come in useful. As far as I know they never sat around watching Days of our Lives in their lectures. They also got the chance to study abroad in the USA as part of their degree which was a great experience.

It’s like any humanities degree really. It can be used in a variety of ways, whether it’s going onto a masters, or getting work experience in the field you want to go into. My degree is often seen as ‘useless’, but I have made a pretty good living out of it.

Sounds like a very interesting degree course. My DD1 did her degree in Theology with no interest in going into the ministry. She now has a great job in legal publishing. It's about the skills you learn as you undertake your degree rather than the degree subject itself which counts as other pp have said.

It might mean she does a year or semester in an American university? That would be a fantastic opportunity and something great for the CV!

I’m also a uni lecturer, no idea if I’m teaching a proper subject or not though.

Sorry pressed send to soon. I know someone who did that in Aberystwyth university and she spent a year in America as part of her course. So perhaps that's something she could look into if she's interested in American studies..

My friends son did this and now has a nice little job in the Foreign Office. Did I mention he also spent a year in A Very Nice American Uni and went back to do his masters.

Anyone who says this is a bad course is so so ignorant.

I did a degree in this, it helps understand the whole bloody world. I now work in financial services and continue to read books on American Studies in my spare time. I earn well over the average wage in London. I'm only 23.

History is one of the most sought after areas for big companies. If you don't do your homework before being ignorant, you'll start interfering and ruining her potential.

ask Pedigree Mrs Josh, I am sure they will be able to let you know....:)

I know someone that did it at Aberystwyth as well...
She was working about one week after graduation.

"It’s fantastic however that there are also other more interesting subjects/education facilities around for lesser mortals."

Yes. The "facilities" laugh all the way to the bank. Oh, you mean fantastic for the students? God no!

@TerfyMcTerface

There's no categorical list but the entry requirements to various courses should give you a clue. If they don't, look at employment prospects and earning potential of graduates.