Do you aspire to a career in global politics, media, business, journalism, or education? Are you interested in all things American, from the U.S. political system to cultural imperialism, and from literature and film to contemporary digital cultures?
Would you like to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities in the U.S. or Canada?
Our American Studies MA will provide you with an English language learning environment that challenges you to develop your own interests and formulate your own arguments in small-group seminars. Along the way, you’ll be guided by our team of leading international researchers in the field of American Studies.
Since at least 1945,
American culture and American politics have sat at the heart of our
contemporary world, and American Studies is the interdisciplinary,
wide-ranging study of that culture and politics and the ways that
they interact not just in the United States but around the world.
But doing American Studies involves more than mastering knowledge
related to America and its place in the world.
After completing our MA
in North American Studies, you’ll certainly know a lot about
America. But you’ll also be able to think, talk, and write
critically about it, independently analyze any aspect of its
culture that fascinates you, and conduct your own research project
that cuts across traditional academic boundaries. We don’t
use boring textbooks, and we don’t just ask you to summarize
what others think about a topic. We challenge you to build your own
persuasive analysis of whatever it is about America that interests
you.
Our students’
research topics are as diverse as America itself. From the
Stars Wars
franchise and its place in
U.S. and global culture to gerrymandering, voter suppression,
political polarization, or the history of Audubon's
Birds of America
–in American Studies,
we let you follow your own path. And through a specially designed
writing course and our network of local, national, and
international partners, our students also learn how to write and
communicate their ideas in English to a wide variety of public
audiences.
In your first semester,
we make sure you’re up to date on the latest developments in
the exciting and often argumentative field of American studies,
while also teaching courses based on our own research interests.
Students can also
do an internship during their
degree. From small Dutch tech start-ups to national newspapers and
consular offices in the U.S., those who have hosted our American
Studies students send back glowing reports of culturally savvy,
intellectually mature, and highly effective interns.
During my Master's degree program in American Studies I gained a lot of knowledge about the United States. I also improved my research, writing and spoken English skills. This is of great benefit in my current work for an American political consultant. I deal with transatlantic issues and developments in American politics on a daily basis.
What attracted me to the Master’s program in American
Studies was that you learn how to critically analyse culture,
history and politics. Following this program also gave me the
opportunity to deepen my knowledge of two areas that interest me:
the history of the American Revolution and American political
culture.
The Lantos Congressional Fellowship was a major highlight for me.
In my six months as Lantos Fellow I worked for Congresswoman
Napolitano in the House of Representatives. It was a fantastic
experience to be able to walk round right at the heart of American
democracy.
I also did an exchange at Central Michigan University. This too was
one of the best experiences of my studies. Although I really enjoy
my current work in American politics, in the future I would like to
study for a second Master’s degree at a top university in the
United States.
My name is Taran Draper, and I am a recent graduate of the Bachelor of American Studies and 1st year student of the Master North American Studies. After having lived abroad for my entire life, yet being Dutch and having family throughout the Netherlands, I decided to come study at the University of Groningen and pursue a degree in American Studies. I enjoy reading, writing, watching all the latest TV shows and most of all following American politics.
American Studies matches my interests precisely because for me the U.S. and its wide variety of inhabitants are the source of many into questions from an outsiders perspective. The Americas have always peeked my curiosity with its similarities and stark differences to European cultures. The U.S. is also the source of many cultural aspects of our everyday lives and the study of how this culture has evolved helps us understand elements of modern day life. The Masters program gives you the opportunity not only to learn more about this fascinating culture but also to develop your skills in academic writing and critical thinking.
