We, in American Studies, understand that applying to graduate school is a significant life decision. We appreciate that individual and familial sacrifices may be necessary to earn an advanced degree. In this regard, we take your interest in our program very seriously.
We talk about the American Studies program as our program. What this means is that we can only do meaningful intellectual, social, and political work as a collective. From the moment graduate students enter our program, you are seen as a colleague and not as a student who needs to be "taught" by faculty. We are excited that you will bring new knowledge and experiences to our collective work. In many ways, our program embraces the ideals posited by Pierre Lévy in his work on collective intelligence. We believe that all of our work is better because we are all here together.
Support for Research
Finally, students in American Studies are offered travel funds every year to support their research and presentations at academic conferences. Students also serve in elected positions on the American Studies Steering Committee. As well, students compete for annual awards: The Chester Eisinger Award for Outstanding Essay in American Studies; the American Studies Innovation in Teaching Award; the Paul and Eslanda Robeson Award for Transnational Scholarship; the American Studies/Women's Studies Outstanding Achievement Award, and the American Studies Social Justice/Community Service Award.
To learn more about graduate students and graduate student activity in American Studies at Purdue, please contact Aimee Mansfield, the current Graduate Coordinator.