Centre for the Study of the United States

core courses

AMERICAN STUDIES COURSE OFFERINGS 2019–2020

For additional information on the American Studies courses, please contact our Program Coordinator at: csus@utoronto.ca.
For last year’s (2018/19) course offerings click here.

SUMMER 2019

USA401H1F: Topics in American Studies: Social Inequality and Education
Instructor: Lance McCready
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; Enrollment Cap: 25

This course examines the ways in which social inequality begets educational inequality, and how educational inequality reproduces social inequality in broader society. Drawing primarily from sociological scholarship, the course will review some of main academic debates on the nature of links between social and educational inequality in the United States and in some cases, for comparative purposes, Canada and the Caribbean region. Students will engage these debates by studying classic and contemporary theories and case-study research in these areas. Students will come to recognize the structural forces of inequality in neighborhoods and schools, and how those forces contribute to unequal opportunities, experiences, and achievement outcomes for students along lines of race/ethnicity, class, gender, and citizenship status. Specific topics to be covered include neighborhood and school segregation, culture, networks, stereotypes, and immigrant assimilation patterns. Graded course requirements include participation in small group discussions, autobiographical reflection, quantitative reasoning assignment and critical film review.

Prerequisite: At least two courses (2.0 FCEs) from the American Studies list of eligible courses, or by special permission of instructor.
Distribution Requirement: Humanities or Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations

USA494H1F/S – Independent Studies / USA495Y1 – Independent Studies

Distribution Requirement: Humanities or Social Science
Breadth Requirement: None

Fall 2019

COMING SOON

WINTER 2020

COMING SOON

Eligible courses

Updated March 2018 TO INCLUDE 2018/19 COURSES

NOTE: The list below is not exhaustive. In general, courses with 50% or more American content may be allowed. Students need to seek early approval of program credit for such courses from the CSUS Director.

From the Faculty of Arts and Science website: https://fas.calendar.utoronto.ca/ 

American Studies

• USA200H1 Introduction to American Studies (Core required course for majors)
• USA300H1 Theories and Methods in American Studies (Core required course for majors and minors, formerly USA300Y1)
• USA310H1 Approaches to American Studies
• USA311H1 Approaches to American Studies
• USA312H1 Approaches to American Studies
• USA313H1 Approaches to American Studies
• USA400H1 Topics in American Studies
• USA401H1 Topics in American Studies
• USA402H1 Topics in American Studies
• USA403H1 Topics in American Studies
• USA494H1 Independent Studies
• USA495Y1 Independent Studies

Cinema Studies

• CIN211H1 Science Fiction Film
• CIN230H1 The Business of Film
• CIN270Y1 American Popular Film Since 1970
• CIN310Y1 Avant-Garde and Experimental Film
• CIN334H1 The Origins of the Animation Industry, 1900-1950: A Technosocial History (formerly INI383H1)
• CIN335H1 American Animation after 1950 (for 2018/2019)
• CIN374Y1 American Filmmaking in the Studio Era
• CIN431H1 The Revolution Will/Will Not Be Televised (for 2018/2019)
• CIN490Y1 Independent Studies in Cinema
• CIN491H1 Independent Studies in Cinema
• CIN492H1 Independent Studies in Cinema

Economics

• ECO306H1 American Economic History

English

• ENG250Y1 American Literature
• ENG254Y1 Indigenous Literatures of North America
• ENG360H1 Early American Literature
• ENG363Y1 Nineteenth-Century American Literature
• ENG364Y1 Twentieth-Century American Literature
• ENG365H1 Contemporary American Fiction
• ENG368H1 Asian North American Literature (formerly ENG268H1)
• ENG434H1 Advanced Studies: American and Transnational Literatures
• ENG435H1 Advanced Studies: American and Transnational Literatures
• ENG438H1 Advanced Studies Seminar: American and Transnational Literature

Geography

• GGR240H1 Geographies of Colonialism in North America
• GGR254H1 Geography USA
• GGR336H1 Urban Historical Geography of North America
• GGR339H1 Urban Geography, Planning and Political Processes
• GGR359H: Comparative Urban Policy
• GGR458H:  Advanced Topics in (or Special Topics in) Urban Geography: Urban Growth and Decline

History

• HIS106Y1 Natives, Settlers and Slaves: Colonizing the Americas, 1492-1804
• HIS202H1 Gender, Race and Science
• HIS221H1 African American History to 1865 (for 2018/2019)
• HIS222H1 African American History from 1865 to the Present (for 2018/2019)
• HIS271Y1 American History Since 1607
• HIS300H1 Energy and Environment in North American History
• HIS310H1 Histories of North American Consumer Culture
• HIS343H1 History of Modern Espionage
• HIS345H1 History and Film (for 2018/2019)
• HIS365H1 History of the Great Lakes Region
• HIS366H1 Aboriginal Peoples of the Great Lakes from 1815 to the Present
• HIS369H1 Aboriginal Peoples of the Great Lakes from 1500 to 1830
• HIS374H1 American Consumerism – The Beginnings
• HIS375H1 Politics and Protest in Postwar North America
• HIS376H1 The United States: Now and Then
• HIS377H1 20th-Century American Foreign Relations (formerly HIS377Y1)
• HIS378H1 America in the 1960s
• HIS379H1 Vietnam at War
• HIS389H1 Topics in History (Topic must relate to the study of the US broadly speaking)
• HIS389Y1 Topics in History (Topic must relate to the study of the US broadly speaking)
• HIS400H1 The American War in Vietnam
• HIS401Y1 History of the Cold War (formerly HIS401H1)
• HIS404H1 Topics in U.S. History
• HIS411H1 Great Trials in History (for 2018/2019)
• HIS463H1 Cloth in American History to 1865
• HIS464H1 Religion and Violence in Comparative Perspective (for 2018/2019)
• HIS465Y1 Gender and International Relations (for 2018/2019)
• HIS473Y1 The United States and Asia since 1945 (formerly HIS473H1)
• HIS479H1 US Foreign Policy Since World War II (formerly HIS479Y1)
• HIS484H1 The Car in North American History (formerly HIS484Y1)
• HIS487H1 Animal and Human Rights in Anglo-American Culture
• HIS497H1 Animal Politics and Science (for 2018/2019)

Indigenous Studies (formerly Aboriginal Studies)

• INS302H1 Aboriginal Representation in the Mass Media and Society
• INS341H1 North American Indigenous Theatre

Music

• MUS306H1 Popular Music in North America

Political Science

• POL203Y1 U.S. Government and Politics
• POL300H1 Topics in Comparative Politics
• POL326Y1 United States Foreign Policy
• POL404Y1 Public, Private and the Liberal State
• POL433H1 Topics in United States Government and Politics
• POL464H1 Urban Policy and Policymaking

Religion

• RLG315H1 Rites of Passage

program REQUIREMENTS

Major in American Studies (Arts program)

Completion Requirements: As of 2018-2019 Academic Year

7.0 full courses or equivalent to a total of 7.0 FCEs, specified as follows:

1) 1.0 FCE from the 200-level gateway courses in English (ENG250Y1), History (HIS271Y1), Geography (GGR240H1 and GGR254H1), or Political Science (POL203Y1).
2) USA200H1 and USA300H1 (total of 1.0 FCE).
3) 1.0 FCE each from at least three of the following disciplinary/thematic clusters (total of 3.0 FCEs): a) Politics and Economics b) Society (Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, East Asian Studies, Geography) c) Culture (Cinema Studies, English, Music, Religion) d) History
4) 0.5 FCE in Breadth Requirement Category 5: The Physical or Mathematical Universe, or another half course (0.5 FCE) approved by the CSUS Program Director, to fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning competency requirement of the program.
5) Additional eligible courses from the ‘Eligible Courses’ listed in the ‘Courses’ tab, to a total of 7.0 FCEs, including requirement #4 above.
6) At least 2.0 FCEs of the student’s 7.0 FCEs must be at the 300-level or above.
7) At least 1.5 FCEs of the student’s 7.0 FCEs must be in American Studies (USA prefix courses), at the 300- or 400-level.

Recommended Sequence of Courses:

First Year:
Students are encouraged to take any prerequisites for the 200-level gateway course required, and/or enroll directly in USA200H1 as a first year student.
Of the required second-year disciplinary survey courses, only POL203Y1 has a prerequisite; students interested in politics, therefore, should take one full POL course, a prerequisite for POL203Y1.
Other recommended courses at the first year level include: HIS106Y1 Natives, Settlers, and Slaves: Colonizing the Americas, 1492-1804.

Second Year:
USA200H1 Introduction to American Studies, HIS271Y1 History of the United States since 1607 (or) ENG250Y1 American Literature (or) GGR240H1 AND GGR254H1 Historical Geography of North America / Geography USA (or) POL203Y1 U.S. Government and Politics

Second, Third, and Fourth Years:
USA300H1, plus other eligible courses, to a total of 7.0 FCEs. At least 2.0 FCEs of these courses must be at the 300-level or above. At least 1.5 FCEs of these courses must be American Studies USA prefix courses at the 300 or 400-level. Courses must be chosen in a way that satisfies the disciplinary/thematic variety described above, plus 0.5 FCE in Breadth Requirement Category 5, or another half course (0.5 FCE) approved by the CSUS Program Director, to fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning competency requirement of the program.

NOTE: Other 300+ series courses with 50% or more American content may be allowed; students should seek early approval of program credit for such courses from the CSUS Director.

MINOR IN AMERICAN STUDIES (ARTS PROGRAM)

4.0 full courses or equivalent to a total of 4.0 FCEs, including at least one 300+ series course in at least two disciplines, specified as follows:

Second year:
1) 1.0 FCE of the following 200-level gateway survey courses in English (ENG250Y1), History (HIS271Y1), Geography (GGR240H1 and GGR254H1), or Political Science (POL203Y1).

Third year:
2) Students must take USA300H1 (0.5 FCE).

Second, third, and fourth years:
3) 2.5 FCEs from the ‘Eligible Courses’ listed in the ‘Courses’ tab above to total 4.0 FCEs.

NOTE: Other 300+ series courses with American content may be allowed; students should seek early approval of program credit for such courses from the CSUS Director.

For a detailed list of courses please consult the links above. 

frequently asked questions

How do I declare my major in American Studies?
Enrolment is done through ROSI. You must have successfully completed four full-course equivalents but need no minimum GPA. Instructions are given in the Registration Handbook and Timetable.

May the courses I have taken for a major in another program count toward my major in American Studies?
The rule is that students doing two majors must have 12 separate courses to qualify for both majors, meaning that some double counting is possible, but usually amounting to only one or two courses. See the Faculty of Arts and Science Calendar for details.

Is it possible to double count American Studies Credits with other Majors/Minors?
The policy of the Faculty of Arts and Science is as follows: “Two major programs, which must include 12 different courses OR One major and two minor programs, which must include 12 different courses” A limited amount of double counting is sometimes allowed. CSUS only has jurisdiction over the USA courses, students must check with the department responsible for the course for permission to double count.

Do I need to meet all the prerequisites?
Students are required to have completed HIS271 or POL203 or ENG250 or GGR240H1/GGR254H1 before enrolling in USA300. However, on a case by case basis, students have been allowed to take the prerequisite concurrently with USA300 or to substitute other courses with similar content to the prerequisites. The decision is made by the Director of CSUS. If a student has taken more than one of the pre-requisites, all can be counted towards the degree.

Do I need to meet the breadth requirement?
Students are required to meet a breadth requirement for a major/minor in American Studies of at least 3 disciplines, meaning course work in history, political science, english, for example. While a broader course of study is preferable, USA designated courses can be counted as a separate discipline if needed to meet the requirement.

Are there any approved courses not on the list?
The list of approved courses in the calendar is not exhaustive. Departments offer many half courses, “Topics in...”, that can change from year to year and are therefore not included on the list. Students interested in having a course approved for American Studies credit should contact the program coordinator and/or CSUS Director. The criteria for approval is at least 50% American content. Students should submit syllabi by email to the CSUS Director at csus.director@utoronto.ca, with a cc to csus@utoronto.ca, to initiate the approval process.

News for Undergraduates

CSUS DIRECTOR OFFICE HOURS: WINTER 2019

The CSUS Director, Prof. Nic Sammond, will be holding office hours on Wednesdays: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm or by appointment during the Winter 2019 semester. If you would like to make an appointment with him, please email: csus.director@utoronto.ca. His office is in Room 326N North House, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, 1 Devonshire Place.

UNDERGRADUATE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN STUDIES (USAS)

The Undergraduate Society of American Studies (USAS) is the course union that represents all students in the American Studies major or minor programs, or any student enrolled in 0.5 or more USA-coded classes.

USAS Current Executive (2018-2019)

President: Aisha Assan-Lebbe (aisha.assan.lebbe@mail.utoronto.ca)
Co-Vice President: Jackie Emick (jacqueline.emick@mail.utoronto.ca)
Co-Vice President: Khushi (Riona) Nansi (riona.nansi@mail.utoronto.ca)
Secretary: Alex Fraser (alexx.fraser@mail.utoronto.ca)
Social Media Coordinator: Hannah Ryan (h.ryan@mail.utoronto.ca)
Treasurer: Adam Stasiewicz (adam.stasiewicz@mail.utoronto.ca)
Executive-at-Large: Olivia Hilborn (olivia.hilborn@mail.utoronto.ca)

Click here to go to the USAS Facebook page.

undergraduate journal of american studies

The Undergraduate Journal of American Studies, published annually, provides the opportunity for undergraduate students to present some of their high-quality independent research to a broader audience.

CALL FOR Submissions FOR THE 2018-19 JOURNAL:
Coming Soon

To view copies of past journals, please follow the links below:

Click here to view the 2017-18 Journal.

Click here to view the 2016-17 Journal.

Click here to view the 2015-16 Journal.

Click here to view the 2014-15 Journal.

Click here to view the 2013-14 Journal.

Click here to view the 2012-13 Journal.

Click here to view the 2011-12 Journal.

Click here to view the 2010-11 Journal.

Click here to view the 2009-10 Journal.

internships and awards

CSUS either sponsors, or collaborates with other organizations, on several internships and awards each year. These opportunities are available to undergraduate students, graduate students, and/or faculty.

I. Internships for students

U.S. Consulate, Toronto

The American Consulate General in Toronto, Canada offers internship positions for students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada, in the Political/Economic and Consular Sections three times per year (during the Fall, Winter-Spring, and Summer sessions). Students chosen for the program are required to participate as an intern for at least 10 weeks on a full-time basis. The positions within this program are voluntary, without salary or benefits. The Intern Program gives students valuable work experience in a challenging foreign affairs arena. For further information, please visit their website at: http://toronto.usconsulate.gov/about-us/internship-opportunities/, or you may contact Human Resources by email at: TRTHR@state.gov, or by mail: 360 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4. The internships are run through the US Consulate; CSUS plays no role in the selection of interns.

U.S. Mission, Canada
Public Affairs Section (Toronto) *UNPAID INTERNSHIP* 

Open to: Non-U.S. Citizen Students*. Candidates must be enrolled half-time or more in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, college, university or comparable recognized educational institute in the field of International Relations, Communications, Political Science or Public Administration, as well as related disciplines. For additional details on how to apply to this internship, please see this page.

Canadian Embassy Internship Program, Washington, DC

The Embassy offers several unpaid, full-time internship possibilities in Public Affairs: Academic Relations, Culture, Press/Media, and Information Services. There are frequently positions available in Trade, Environment, Energy and Congressional Relations. Deadlines are three times throughout the year, in relationship to academic terms. This internship is administered by the Canadian Embassy; CSUS has no formal relationship. More information is available here: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/washington/offices-bureaux/contact-coordonnees/internships_stages.aspx?menu_id=339&view=d

Consulate General of Canada, New York City

This is a paid internship available only to students who are enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Toronto at the time of application. In the past this internship has been in the Political/Economic Relations and Public Affairs section. Interested students make an application to the Centre for the Study of the United States by the announced deadline. We then make a decision to forward two names to the Consulate General in NY; and then, the Consulate General will select the final recipient(s). This is a two-stage process and in the second stage nominees from the University of Toronto compete against candidates from other Canadian universities. ***Due to broad strategic operations reviews at all Canadian consulates, they are currently not sure which shape, if any, their internship programs will be taking in the coming year.***

II. Awards for students

Killam Undergraduate Fellowships for Canadians

The Killam Undergraduate Fellowship is a competitive award that helps support Canadian undergraduates who wish to pursue an exchange at a university in the United States for one semester or a full academic year. For more information on this fellowship, please visit the Killam Fellowships website by clicking here.  If you are interested in applying to this award, please contact the Centre for International Experience at the University of Toronto.

Canada-US Fulbright Traditional Fellowship Program

Funded by Canada and the US; deadline November 15. Grants of four to nine months to Canadian students who wish to study in the US. (U.S. citizens are not eligible). Please note that this award is available for all sorts of study, including both graduate work (in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences) and in the professional fields (law, medicine, business, public policy.)  In addition, note that the student aspect of the Fulbright is available to advanced undergraduates seeking to enter a graduate program in the U.S., to current MA students who are applying to PhD and professional degree programs; and to current PhD students seeking a year in the US as part of their dissertation research. If you have further interest in the program, please consult the website here: http://www.fulbright.ca/programs/canadian-students.html. Also, please feel free to make an appointment with the CSUS Director to discuss the program in more detail.

Associates of the University of Toronto Award for the Study of the United States

Administered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and open to both undergraduates and graduate students. For graduate students the usual deadline is March 15th. For undergraduate students this award is made on the basis of need and merit as an in-course award. Undergrads must be enrolled in the American Studies Program and be in their 3rd or 4th year.
Amount: $2000 for undergrads; $3000 for graduate students.
For further information about this award, please see: www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/scholarships/march/associates-of-the-university-of-toronto-awards-for-study-of-the-united-states

Graduate Research Grants in American Studies and/or the Study of the United States

For more information on our graduate research grants, please click here.

III. Awards for Faculty to go to the United States

Fulbright Scholar and Chairs Program

Available to Canadian scholars and senior professionals (who are not US citizens) who want to lecture and/or do research in the US during the following academic year. Competition opens in May of each year, and the deadline is Nov. 15th of each year. For further information about this award, please see their website here: http://www.fulbright.ca/programs/canadian-scholars.html

life after graduation

INTERNSHip opportunity for Recent graduates

The Ontario Legislature Internship Programme runs an internship for recent graduates at Queen’s Park, Toronto. The internship lasts 10 months, from 1st September – 30th June each year, and is a paid stipend, as it is an academic programme, and as such is classed as a scholarship bursary. Interns travel to the US each year to compare the two systems (Canadian and US) and gain a greater overview of world politics, but is based more at a state / province level. More information can be found at http://www.olipinterns.ca/