Undergraduates majoring in Childhood Education (Grades 1 to 6) must select a 30 to 32 credit academic specialty from the Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum. Such study complements the Childhood Education courses and provides you with specialized knowledge in one particular discipline. This adds depth and breath to your level of teaching expertise. It is expected that you, as a future teacher, will transmit your enthusiasm for the focused subject to young learners, helping them to grow intellectually and socially. You may select American Studies from among the Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum.<br><br>American Studies is an exciting interdisciplinary program that invites you to take an active role in shaping your education. Working closely with a faculty advisor, you will create your own curriculum, drawing on a broad range of classes from departments across campus-including history, English, sociology, political science, philosophy, art history, psychology, anthropology, theater, music, education, and earth and environmental sciences. By examining social and political issues from a variety of perspectives, you will deepen your understanding of the diverse peoples and complex histories that make up the United States. You will not only strengthen the critical thinking, reading and writing skills that are essential for good teaching, but you will also learn to communicate to young students the importance of being an engaged citizen. Students take 30 credits in American Studies to satisfy the liberal arts and sciences requirements for the B.S. in Childhood Education degree program.