‘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 Program in American Studies 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.
Giving to the American Studies Program
You can make a gift online at Cornell’s Alumni, Parents & Friends page or send a check payable to “Cornell University” (Memo: American Studies Program) to: Cornell University |
|
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.
'Cornell taught me to never take no for an answer'
America Casanova is majoring in English, American Studies, Government and History
Alumni Connections: Megan Zhang '16
Megan Zhang was an American Studies major who also took a premed curriculum:
"My American studies major gave me a unique background during med school interviews, and was definitely a conversation starter. It makes you a much more competent person in dealing with people who have different backgrounds than yourself. I appreciate the confidence it gives me to ask people about their side of the story, because there’s always another side of the story.”
After graduating, Megan spent a gap year working with families at a women’s and children’s shelter outside of Boston has opened her eyes to the diversity of experiences and situations that can lead someone to become homeless.