American Studies The University of New Mexico

Overview

The American Studies programme at The University of New Mexico provides students with a comprehensive framework for analysing the complex relationships between culture, history, and power. By engaging with diverse scholarly tools, students learn to navigate and challenge the systems of capitalism, nationalism, and gender normativity that shape contemporary society.

This curriculum is designed for those who wish to explore the lived experience through a lens of social transformation and critical inquiry. The department encourages a hemispheric perspective that connects local contexts in the Southwest to broader global movements, ensuring that graduates possess a nuanced understanding of both regional and international issues.

Why American Studies at The University of New Mexico?

The University of New Mexico is uniquely positioned to offer a curriculum that emphasises Critical Regionalism and Southwest Studies. The institution provides a distinctive teaching environment where faculty from various academic backgrounds collaborate to offer training in ethnographic, literary, and historical research methods.

Students benefit from the university's commitment to social and environmental justice, with specific research strengths in transnationalism and globalisation. The programme is recognised for its focus on liberation movements, providing a supportive space for studying decolonisation, racial justice, and the rights of migrants and refugees.

The department maintains a strong reputation for its interdisciplinary breadth, integrating fields such as Black studies, Religious studies, and Law and Society. This diverse academic landscape allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests while remaining grounded in rigorous scholarly exploration and critical ethnic studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 29146 per year
• National fee: USD 29146 per year
• Local fee: USD 10084 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum draws from a wide range of interdisciplinary fields to provide a holistic education. Modules may include:

• American Studies
• Transnationalism, Globalization, and Colonialism
• Critical Regionalism and Southwest Studies
• Critical Race and Class Studies
• Environmental and Social Justice
• Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Studies
• Comparative Cultural and Popular Culture Studies
• Critical Indigenous Studies
• Critical Ethnic Studies
• Black Studies
• Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
• Religious Studies
• Law and Society
• Cultural Studies

Careers with American Studies

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse professional paths that require deep analytical skills and cultural competency. The focus on social justice and systemic analysis equips students for roles within community organisation, advocacy, and policy development across various sectors.

The interdisciplinary nature of the degree also supports careers in education, journalism, and public service, where an understanding of diverse perspectives is essential. Many students pursue further research or professional roles in industries dedicated to racial and gender justice, decolonisation, and human rights advocacy.