Department of American Studies

 

Creative thinkers,
historians and Researchers

Understanding the United States and its role in the world

 


Who We Are

The Department of American Studies at the George Washington University is committed to fostering a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning and research environment focused on understanding the culture, beliefs, policies, politics, urbanization and history of the United States and its role in the world.

Through a rigorous curriculum, we challenge our students to uncover fresh perspectives on how we live and engage with one another. Our long-standing ties with the Smithsonian Institution and other organizations within the nation’s capital further immerse students in unique experiences relating to historic preservation, museum curation, social politics and more. And our alumni have achieved success in a variety of fields, making their mark in virtually every sector of the economy.

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Talib Hudson
 
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"I found American Studies refreshing. It wasn’t a sugar-coating of American history. I felt that it gave a more honest depiction, that it really told the story of people on the ground."

Talib Hudson
BA '04


Core Research Strengths

 

  

Learn About Our Research

 


Our Highlights

 

Department Headlines

springsteen_obama

Born to Run—for President

Luther Rice Fellow Maureen Rafter, an American Studies major, delves into the connections between Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen, exploring their journey to political unity.

Gayle Wald

A Semester’s Journey through 20th-Century American Culture

From the early Black blues women to today’s culture wars, students in GW Professor Gayle Wald’s class follow U.S history’s path.

 

 

Faculty Books

  

Cover of Ashley Brown's book "Serving Herself"

Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson

In this comprehensive biography, Ashley Brown narrates the public career and private struggles of Althea Gibson (1927-2003).

Alt Text

Ugly Freedoms

In Ugly Freedoms, Elisabeth R. Anker reckons with the complex legacy of freedom offered by liberal American democracy, outlining how the emphasis of individual liberty has always been entangled with...