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
This caption describes the image above.
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 AMS professor
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, curated by Dr. Steven D. Hoelscher, showcases iconic works by Adams alongside those of his predecessors and the generations of artists he influenced and inspired.
Photo Credit.
AMS alumni share their thoughts
Dr. Laura Crawley - Class of 1990
"A native Texan and Austinite, I came to UT Austin as a curious, free-range thinker with a deep love for reading books and talking about big ideas. The American Studies program at UT Austin gave me some intellectual structure and a deep appreciation for the liberal arts. I was nurtured and challenged to think critically and engage with the world's complexities. That foundation has guided my career in higher education and ultimately led me to Bethany College, a small private Lutheran institution in the Midwest where the liberal arts are centered. Just as American Studies pushed me to approach problems from multiple perspectives, my leadership at Bethany is shaped by a commitment to interdisciplinary learning, intellectual curiosity, and the transformative power of a broad-based education. As the 16th president, I work to ensure that Bethany remains a place where students develop the skills, creativity, and adaptability needed to thrive in our ever-changing 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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Keep up with us!
Main image artist: Luis Angulo
Contact Us
American Studies
The University of Texas at Austin
Burdine 437, Mailcode B7100, Austin, TX
Austin, Texas 78712
Lauren Gutterman
lgutterman@austin.utexas.edu
512-471-7277