‘If you can keep it’: Cornell scholars tackle democracy’s modern threats
From the early days of Cornell’s founding to the present, scholars have studied the idea and the practice of democracy.
The American Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary engagement with what America means in the United States and in a global context. Faculty encourage students to look at the meaning and reality of the evolving United States as a question still in need of answering and as an experiment still in process, not as a dream fully realized. We use multiple perspectives and methodologies and require that students synthesize knowledge in ways that develop the skills needed for rigorous, complex analysis.
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American Studies News
Academic ‘boot camp’ helps veterans build college confidence
Cornell College of Arts and Sciences faculty taught astronomy, writing, civics and other subjects to 18 active-duty and veteran service members visiting Cornell through the non-profit Warrior-Scholar project June 20-27.
Merrill Scholars honor mentors who inspired them
Cornell University honored 31 Merrill Presidential Scholars May 19, recognizing academic excellence and mentorship. College of Arts and Sciences senior Carolina Aguilera-Garza and peers celebrated influential teachers and Cornell mentors shaping leadership, scholarship, and public impact.
'There is a space for you here'
Salimata Cisse is majoring in American studies and Africana studies.
'My thesis was a highlight of my senior year'
Samara Schiffman is majoring in Jewish studies, government and American studies.
'I made a commitment to exploring my heritage'
Hannah Quigley is an American studies and Spanish major.
Student Spotlight: Doryn Smith '26
American Studies major, Doryn Smith, a member of the Cornell football team, says one of the most valuable aspects of his education was the abiltiy to explore a wide range of subjects:
"I went from taking Spanish classes to learning about bacteria in our dorm environment. Even when I wasn’t initially interested, I learned to appreciate different fields and stay open to new ideas."
Click here to read more about Doryn
