Welcome to the Department of American Studies
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American Studies focuses on the cultural, social, and intellectual life of the United States of America. Its students analyze the American past and present from the perspectives of several disciplines, learn to synthesize their knowledge, and develop the critical habit of mind needed for cultural analysis. Such skills, we believe, are essential for the formation of a knowledgeable and politically engaged American citizenry.
Work in American Studies can lead to and enrich a wide variety of careers. Many of our graduate students become teachers and scholars at the college and university level, but significant numbers of both graduates and undergraduates have gone into journalism, radio, TV and film work, museum curating, law, public relations, editing, advertising, government service, secondary school teaching and administration, and creative writing.
Read more about American Studies at UT
Urban Studies is now part of American Studies!
The Urban Studies major, formerly administered by The Department of Geography and the Environment, is now housed in American Studies. Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that combines classroom studies with real-world experience in the Austin metropolitan area. If you are curious about how cities are physically put together, the history of urbanization, the conflict and creativity that pervades urban life, the economic factors that affect urban growth and development, or the political dynamics shaping urban governance, you will find a home for your interests in Urban Studies.
Learn MorePhotography Exhibition Curated by American Studies Professor,
Visualizing the Environment
Ansel Adams and His Legacy
August 31, 2024 – February 2, 2025
Photographs by American landscape photographer Ansel Adams (1902–1984) remain some of the most immediately recognizable environmental images of our time. Visualizing the Environment: Ansel Adams and His Legacy showcases some of these iconic works by Adams alongside those of his predecessors and the generations of artists he influenced and inspired.
Adams described his approach to picture-making as one of “visualization”—the photographic expression of what the environment looks and feels like to the artist. “The first step towards visualization, and hence toward expressive interpretation,” Adams said, “is to become aware of the world around us.”
Adams’s photographs have inspired environmental consciousness in many. But many of those influenced by Adams have chosen to photograph exactly what he left out of his visualizations: our impact on the natural environment.
This exhibition was curated by Dr. Steven D. Hoelscher, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Liberal Arts, Faculty Curator for Photography, Harry Ransom Center, and Stiles Professor of American Studies and Geography.
Photo Credit.
Our beloved alumni share their thoughts on being part of the AMS family!
Maria Rocha - Class of 2022
My time as an American Studies major gave me invaluable cultural perspectives. I was encouraged to get curious about what norms are in the Americas (food, music, law, traditions, etc.) and how they impact their practitioners. American Studies calls students to challenge myths and think critically about our place on the global stage. My studies helped me realize I wanted to help people who have been impacted by long-standing practices like redlining and food deserts, so I was called to social work. I know my time in the AMS department gave me the foundation I need to practice cultural humility and seek a joyful and justice-oriented world.
Special Projects
Department Blog
AMS :: ATX is a blog by the American Studies department at UT Austin. Edited by graduate students, our blog aims to be a place for intellectual curiosity, growth, and discussion without the traditional academic pressures.
Read HereThe End of Austin
The End of Austin is an award-winning digital humanities project that explores urban identity in Austin, Texas.
Learn MoreFoodways Texas
Foodways Texas is an organization founded by scholars, chefs, journalists, restaurateurs, farmers, ranchers, and other citizens of the state of Texas who have made it their mission to preserve, promote and celebrate the diverse food cultures of Texas.
Learn MoreFoodways Texas
Foodways Texas is an organization founded by scholars, chefs, journalists, restaurateurs, farmers, ranchers, and other citizens of the state of Texas who have made it their mission to preserve, promote and celebrate the diverse food cultures of Texas.
Learn MoreCommunity Projects
The End of Austin
The End of Austin is an award-winning digital humanities project that explores urban identity in Austin, Texas.
Learn More
Foodways Texas
Foodways Texas is an organization founded by scholars, chefs, journalists, restaurateurs, farmers, ranchers, and other citizens of the state of Texas who have made it their mission to preserve, promote and celebrate the diverse food cultures of Texas.
Learn MoreJo Giese Excellence Endowment in American Studies
The Department of American Studies is delighted and honored to announce the establishment of the Jo Giese Excellence Endowment in American Studies. A graduate of the American Studies program in 1969, Ms. Giese went on to a path-breaking career as a radio journalist, author, teacher, and community activist. She attributes much of that success to her undergraduate degree, especially the experience of researching and writing a senior thesis on the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. She established the Jo Giese Excellence Endowment to assist outstanding American Studies students.
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Main image artist: Luis Angulo