American Studies Program Records

Collection

Identifier: U001

Staff Only

Abstract

This collection contains administrative and business records of the American Studies Program at the University of Denver, collected from 1965 to 1983. The program was converted to the Women's Studies program in 1984 due to budget difficulties at the university.

Dates

1965-1983

Creator

University of Denver. American Studies Program (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The American Studies Program began as an Honors Program at the University of Denver in 1967. After much success from a small pool of graduates, the program was first offered to the general university community in 1970. Throughout the 1970s, the faculty of the American Studies program, and its curriculum, expanded into a true liberal arts degree, including courses in history, literature, philosophy, and more.

The purpose of this undergraduate program was to challenge students and faculty to think, write and discuss the issues that have shaped the thought, culture, social movements and character of the United States.

The degree was taken as a second major for students specialized in other fields. Budget cuts in the early 1980s closed several programs at the University of Denver. In October 1983, the American Studies Program was one of the programs going to be cut until the faculty proposed converting the program into the Women's Studies Program. Their proposal was accepted and the American Studies Program became the Women's Studies Program in July 1984.

Extent

6.5 Linear Feet (6 record boxes, 1 letter document box)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

The collection contains the departmental records for the American Studies Program from 1965-1983. Materials include: administrative, financial, faculty information, articles, publications, guest scholar information, colloquium materials and annual reports.