The Department of American Studies at Saint Louis University provides a systematically interdisciplinary approach to studying the cultures of the United States and the critical analysis of their historical and contemporary evolutions through the graduate certificate in American studies.<br><br>We train students in the skills of clear thinking, writing and speaking, as well as the abilities associated with interpreting literary texts, evaluating historical documents and artifacts, applying humanistic and social scientific methods and theoretical approaches, and reflecting ethically on the problems and issues raised in the classroom. As an interdisciplinary field, American studies courses and curricula often connect academic study to community institutions, organizations, and populations. <br><br>The graduate certificate offers coursework in the growing and vibrant interdisciplinary study of American history and culture for current SLU students enrolled in other master's, doctoral or professional postgraduate programs at SLU. American studies is an 80-year old field with its own organizations, journals, canon, and methodologies. But at the practical level, lines between American studies and cognate fields are often crossed, especially in the job market. <br><br>As a stand-alone program, a graduate certificate in American studies can offer professional development or targeted post-graduate training.