American Studies PhD

Program Overview

The American Studies PhD program at the University at Buffalo offers a rigorous interdisciplinary exploration of the Americas, focusing on critical perspectives in history, culture, and society. Students develop research and writing skills, engage in collaborative projects, and prepare for diverse careers in academia, government, cultural institutions, and beyond. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship from distinguished faculty, and a vibrant intellectual community.

Program Outline

American Studies PhD at University at Buffalo

Degree Overview:

The American Studies PhD program at the University at Buffalo (UB) is designed for students interested in pursuing rigorous interdisciplinary research on the Americas. The program boasts a diverse faculty and student body committed to exploring local cultures, nations, and regions within a global and hemispheric framework. The curriculum focuses on critical perspectives on American history, politics, visual cultures, literature, environmental practices, religions, gender, sexuality, and economics.

Specific program objectives include:

• Cultivating a deep understanding of the theoretical and methodological approaches in American Studies.
• Developing research and writing skills for effectively analyzing and interpreting complex issues related to the Americas.
• Engaging in collaborative research projects with faculty and peers.
• Preparing students for diverse career paths in academia, government, cultural institutions, and beyond.

Outline:

The American Studies PhD program at UB requires the completion of 72 credit hours, typically taking 5 years to complete. The program offers a combination of core courses, electives, and dissertation research.

Core Courses:

• Foundations of American Studies
• American Intellectual History
• American Social and Cultural History
• Theories and Methods of American Studies
• Research Seminar in American Studies

Electives:

Students can choose from a wide range of electives within the department and across the university, aligning with their individual research interests.

Dissertation Research:

The dissertation is the culmination of the PhD program, requiring students to conduct original research and present their findings in a written dissertation.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through various methods, including:

• Coursework: Participation, assignments, and exams.
• Comprehensive exams: Testing students' knowledge of the field.
• Dissertation proposal defense: Presenting and defending the proposed research project.
• Dissertation defense: Presenting and defending the completed dissertation.

Teaching:

The American Studies PhD program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning. Students have opportunities to:

• Assist professors with undergraduate courses.
• Design and teach their own courses.
• Participate in teaching workshops and seminars.

Faculty:

The program boasts a distinguished faculty with expertise in various areas of American Studies. Students benefit from close mentorship and guidance from leading scholars in the field.

Careers:

Graduates of the American Studies PhD program pursue diverse career paths, including:

• Academia: Professors, researchers, and administrators at universities and colleges.
• Government: Policy analysts, researchers, and advisors in government agencies.
• Cultural institutions: Curators, researchers, and educators in museums, libraries, and archives.
• Non-profit organizations: Program directors, researchers, and advocates working on social justice issues.
• Private sector: Consultants, researchers, and communications specialists in various industries.

Other:

• The program offers various funding opportunities, including fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships.
• Students have access to UB's extensive library resources and state-of-the-art facilities.
• The program fosters a vibrant intellectual community through regular seminars, workshops, and conferences.

Note:

The information provided is based on the available text and may not be exhaustive. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official program website or contact the department directly.