This year-long course is an option for seniors of exceptional ability who are majoring in American Studies and who wish to have a graduate- level research and writing experience in some chosen area of American cultural and/or political history. Students must petition to have the course. If permission is granted by the student's area coordinator and academic advisor, he/she must proceed to formulate a written thesis proposal and assemble a three-person academic support committee-equipped with relevant expertise -no later than March 30th of the Junior year. The proposal will then be submitted for approval to the individual's advisory committee. Assuming the project is universally approved, the student will meet with one or more members of the committee on a bi-weekly basis to review progress on research and written work. The final results will be scholarly essay of 40-60 pages, to be presented as an academic paper in a public forum at least three weeks before graduation.