About Us

The Department of Social and Cultural Analysis (SCA) is transdisciplinary in nature. It combines topics and methods drawn from the humanities and social science to analyze the relationships among individuals, groups, institutions,governments, economies, and environments. Our courses draw on theoretical insights from social geography, feminism and queer studies, ethnic studies, critical race theory, labor studies and cultural studies. Our programs of study value both historical inquiry and engagement with the present, especially large-scale developments like urbanization, commodification, movement of peoples, transnational exchange, identity formations, ethnic and diasporic cultures.

SCA houses and integrates the activities of six programs—Africana Studies,American Studies, Asian/Pacific/American Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Latino Studies, and Metropolitan Studies. NYU students can major in any one of these (except American Studies), or combine any two of them in the SCA general major. Minors are offered in all areas, including American Studies. At the graduate level the department offers M.A.s in American Studies and Africana Studies, and a Ph.D. in American Studies.

SCA’s programs appeal to students who seek a critical understanding of society, ways to connect the lives and concerns of local communities to national and global dynamics,and ways to connect intellectual inquiry with lived experience. SCA students are curious about the way society works. New York City is a crucible for the department's work, both in its community orientation and its connections to global networks. The department has a large internship program that is required for some majors and recommended for all of them.

Details on each of the majors and minors can be found under the individual links on the home page.SCA majors are valuable for overall intellectual development, and as preparation for study in many fields including law, government,public service, public policy, cultural or political advocacy,community organization, teaching, public administration, journalism.