Stories from the American Studies Class of 2021

Khushi Nansi was one of the Co-Editor-In-Chiefs of the Undergraduate Journal of American Studies and minored in American Studies while double majoring in History of Art and Industrial Relations & Human Resources. She will be graduating in June 2021 alongside her fellow American Studies students! She spoke about her experience as an American Studies student and shared some exciting news about her upcoming endeavors!

Please share your fondest memory from being an American Studies student.

It would have to be the beginning of my turn into American Studies, sitting down in Introduction to American Studies and experiencing Professor Rahr’s teaching for the first time. Profeessor Rahr’s level of instruction was something I had never experienced before––she is so incredibly knowledgeable, dedicated, engaging, and perfectly aware of the narrative thread she carries throughout her course. As in all CSUS courses, we read historical and contemporary sources from a wide array of disciplines, it was wonderfully interdisciplinary. I had declared my Minor in American Studies based upon a mentor’s suggestion, and once I sat in Professor Rahr’s class I never looked back. It truly felt like I was learning something I would carry with me for a very long time. Every time I am fortunate enough to have a class with her, I’m blown away by how incredibly intelligent she is and how lucky we were to have her.

What are some of the courses that you really enjoyed, and why?

Anything with Professor Rahr! I’m a broken record but I can’t praise her enough. Obviously, AMS200 (USA200): Introduction to American Studies, as well as AMS300 (USA300): Theories and Methods in American Studies, which I took in second year as well. The name really isn’t an indication of how helpful the course is–– it gave me the groundwork to understand and read theory in all my future upper-year seminar courses, across all my programs. One of my favourite seminars was “Topics in American Studies: Fight the Power: A History of American Protest Movements,” spanning from historical to contemporary. I loved studying the artistic history of protest in the U.S., just one of the lenses we applied in our work. It is to the credit of the CSUS that the 400 level AMS (USA) seminar courses change every year, and that they are reflective of current events––they are never not relevant and never not interesting.

What are some ways that you were involved with the program?

I was a part of the Undergraduate Society for American Studies in both 2nd and 3rd years as the Co Vice President and Executive at Large. Now in fourth year, I am the Co-Editor in Chief for the Undergraduate Journal of American Studies. It’s been incredible to curate a microcosm of the Centre and everything that we talk about in class, everything going on this unpredictable, unforeseen year, and the University of Toronto experience.

Do you have any words of wisdom for current or future American Studies students?

Try things outside your comfort zone, but at the same time, lean into things for which you have an affinity. Truthfully, I was afraid to try American Studies, because I’d never studied American history in school, and didn’t know much about American politics aside from what the average person knew. I’d always studied the Canadian side of things! So going into this minor was a bit terrifying, but it was immediately and ultimately so rewarding, I’m very glad I did it despite the fear. Definitely step into things that scare you a little bit (high risk high reward!) but follow things you do well and know you enjoy, so you can build a really well-rounded plate and give yourself lots of options for the future.

What are next steps for you after graduating from U of T?

I will be moving to Boston at the end of August to study at MIT! I’m pursuing a Master of Science in Architecture Studies in the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, a two-year long program. Feeling very excited and terrified and nervous and all the emotions, but mostly very lucky. This path was similarly scary to choose at first, but I can’t thank my mentors enough––Professors Rahr, Mostafa, and Fee––for their guidance and advice throughout these years. My research focuses on the medieval/early modern period in the Islamicate world at large but more specially, the Indian subcontinent and Egypt, looking at the history of art and architectural histories of the urban underworld and court. So, jewelry, other forms of dress, monuments, architecture, etc. This is a gap in the field, so I’m excited to dive into archives and do field work.

What are some insights from the American Studies program that you think you will be able to apply in your future activities?

American Studies really taught me how to pull together different disciplines into a study of a region; in short, it taught me interdisciplinarity. You gain the ability to apply seemingly disparate fields in the Western notion of the university, from literature to history to politics to art. Learning to read and critique theory, observing with multiple lenses, these are things I apply in my everyday life, just as much as I do so when I am conducting research. Theoretical lenses such as critical race theory, the study of area studies itself, the notion of a ‘republic’ or democracy and how to critique it, are just a few of the frameworks I now understand intimately because of the CSUS.

In addition to the minor, I graduate with a double major in History of Art and Industrial Relations & Human Resources. IRHR and American Studies together have helped me pursue little attended areas of art history: reading the underworld and vice as an economy itself, whose labour produced its own material culture. In observing other forms of depictive art, such as courtesans dancing, we can know the multiple layers of labour involved, a depiction of the courtesan’s labour as much as it is seen as depiction of royal leisure, and further, that an artisan’s labour created the object we regard. This ability, to unpack the layers unseen, across multiple disciplines, is something I learned from American Studies.

Adam Stasiewicz will be graduating this June with a Double Major in American Studies and Political Science. He shared his insights of being an American Studies student along with his exciting next steps!

Please share your fondest memory from being an American Studies student.

My best memories of being an American Studies Major stem from the USAS events that bring students and faculty together for insightful presentations and discussions regarding pressing subject matter in American Studies and related fields.

What are some of the courses that you really enjoyed, and why?

USA 310 (Mass Incarceration in the U.S.), USA 311 (History of American Contagion), and USA 312 (Trump and the Election) provided intellectually stimulating analysis and course material that is extremely relevant to the current U.S. political climate.

What are some ways that you were involved with the program?

During my three years In the American Studies Program, I served as treasurer of the USAS, assistant editor of the American Studies journal, and helped CSUS faculty promote the American Studies Program to prospective students.

Do you have any words of wisdom for current or future American Studies students?

It is essential to attend your Professor’s office hours as many of the American Studies faculty teach multiple courses within the program. The faculty are extremely intelligent, friendly and committed to helping hard-working students succeed at U of T.

What are next steps for you after graduating from U of T?

After graduation, I am attending the School of Public Affairs at American University in the Fall of 2021 to pursue a M.A. in Political Communication.

What are some insights from the American Studies program that you think you will be able to apply in your future activities?

The American Studies Program has provided me the tools to thoughtfully engage with a wide breadth of subject matter through the lens of the American conscience. This will be of particular help to me in the future as political communication requires employing rhetoric and strategies that appeal to uniquely American ideas and beliefs.

Anusha Ali is one of the American Studies students that will be graduating this June with a Minor in American Studies. She will also be getting a Major in Global Health and a Minor in Religion! Find out more about her experience in the American Studies Program and learn about how the interdisciplinarity of the program was beneficial to her studies.

Please share your fondest memory from being an American Studies student.

Through my time in American Studies, I most enjoyed the ability to interact with my professors on a more personal level. Professor Alexandra Rahr is one of the most accomplished individuals I have had the chance to get to know. Professor Rahr was instrumental in helping me reach my grad school and career goals through the coursework in her classes and hands- on approach. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet such an inspiring trailblazer in the American Studies Program.

What are some of the courses that you really enjoyed, and why?

I took USA200 in my second year, USA300 in my third year, and USA311 in my fourth year. By far my favorite course was USA311 since the topic -Epidemic: The History and Culture of American Contagion- perfectly merged my major of Global Health with my minor in American Studies to cultivate the understanding of how contagion has been perceived through American History. Along with that, I have been able to use the knowledge from the course to build my passion in public health and narrow down career options.

What are some ways that you were involved with the program?

I had the opportunity to serve as one of the Assistant Editors for the CSUS Undergraduate Journal this past year. This position was a great insight into the work many students have done which coincides with the theme for the year. This year’s theme was “UPROOTED” and centered on highlighting flaws within American history in which erasure and eradication of history has occurred.

Do you have any words of wisdom for current or future American Studies students?

Keep an open mind and be willing to learn. I grew up in Tennessee and my education was revolving the curriculum which the public school was allowed to teach, and not on the many issues which are erased from American history. In American Studies, I learned so much that challenged my previous beliefs about the reality of the nation’s history. At CSUS, I was always encouraged to reach out to my peers and instructors to talk about anything I needed help with. Many Professors I have encountered in this program have been open to productive discussions and provide insightful feedback on assignments or even current events. Don’t be scared to ask for help – everyone at CSUS is here to make sure you reach your educational and professional goals.

What are next steps for you after graduating from U of T?

I will be attending NYU School of Global Public Health to start my Masters of Public Health with a concentration in Public Health Policy and Management!

What are some insights from the American Studies program that you think you will be able to apply in your future activities?

My professional goal involves merging my programs of Global Health, American Studies and Religion. Global Health provides me the framework to address the issues of health disparities across the world, American Studies excavates the historical structure of poor distribution of resources amongst socially, politically and economically disadvantaged communities within the United States, and Religion allows me to reflect on how it affects the human condition and society as a whole. They allow me to holistically approach health and further enhance my passion for healthcare, policy, and advocacy.

Jackie Emick is one of the amazing American Studies students that will be graduating this June with a Major in American Studies, along with a Major in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies. She has shared some of her memories from being an American Studies student and where she will be headed next.

Please share your fondest memory from being an American Studies student

My fondest memory about being an American Studies students was hard to pick, so I have to say two of my fondest memories as I couldn’t decide. My first memory is on Program Exploration Days in my second year, second semester. Professor Alexandra Rahr asked me and a few other students to come and aid at the booth as ambassadors for the program. Ever since then, I have had the opportunity to participate every year, even though this year was virtual. This has been one of the best experiences as I was able to share my passion for the program to possible students. The second fondest memory would have to be the many meetings I had with the executive board of the American Studies Student Union. I participated every year of my undergraduate time in American Studies as a Vice President for both academic and social events. The seminars and social nights we put on were major highlights.

What are some of the courses that you really enjoyed, and why?

My favorite courses would have to be USA311 – American Public Monuments from the Confederate Flag to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with Professor Rahr, USA310 – Mass Incarceration in the United States with Professor Mishler, USA403 – Land and Indigenous Politics with Professor Maile and USA402 – Graphic! With Professor Sammond. As you can see, it was again hard to pick my top favorite courses as I enjoyed all of the American Studies classes I took. These specifically stuck out due to their important context which they provide to modern issues. Some courses which I also wanted to mention are USA401 – History of Protest Movements, USA400 – US War History and Experience and USA311 – History of Epidemics.

What are some ways that you were involved with the program?

I was a part of the American Studies Students Union for three years, over various positions. I aided in Program Exploration Days for three years as well as aided the manning of the desk set up for the club’s fair for each in person orientation I was around for. On top of this I was also the communications and events assistant for CSUS as a part of the work study program in my third year.

Do you have any words of wisdom for current or future American Studies students?

Take advantage of the amazing small cohort of professors and classmates you are exposed to. American Studies is a unique and tight knit community within the university that allowed me to communicate one on one with professors, get expert advice on careers and academic work as well as fully take advantage of all the resources available to me. The experiences which American Studies gave me are invaluable. Seize every opportunity you can get!

What are next steps for you after graduating from U of T?

I am currently working this summer as a Senior Intern Analyst for CPP investments in the Public Affairs and Communications Department within Global Corporate Communications. This is my second summer interning with them! I hope to continue this area of work and pursue a career in communications and public affairs in the future.

What are some insights from the American Studies program that you think you will be able to apply in your future activities?

The interdisciplinary style of the American Studies courses gave me the basis for which I have been able to build many of my skills, specifically in the area of communications. Although my future career aspirations and current intern role are not directly associated with the program, the skills which I learned and the courses I took prepared me to be a skilled communicator. Furthermore, the global positioning of the courses gave me a well versed understanding of many global issues which benefits me everyday.