Abigail McDonald
Abigail McDonald graduated with a Minor in American Studies along with a Major in Diaspora and Transnational Studies and a Minor in Practical French. We asked Abigail about her undergraduate experience and where she is headed to next!
Please share your fondest memory from being an American Studies student.
My fondest memory from being an American Studies student was the mock 2022 American Midterm election debate we had in AMS312: Approaches to American Studies – Media, Politics, and the 2022 Midterm elections in the USA, led by Professor Tanenhaus. In light of the midterm elections that occurred during the Fall 2022 semester, we decided to conduct one ourselves. Each student played a role varying from media journalist, moderator, or members of the Democratic or Republican party. This activity provided me with the opportunity to put my American studies knowledge to use in a “real-life” situation and provided a space for students to explore and adopt political opinions that they may not usually align themselves with.
What are some of the courses that you really enjoyed taking and why?
I really enjoyed the interdisciplinary nature of AMS300: Approaches and Theories in American Studies. I believe that I have become a better interdisciplinary and critical thinker because of this course as we were provided texts that were left open to feminist, imperialist, globalist, and post-colonialist critiques just to name a few. Professor Montagne gave us the opportunity to engage in our own research approaches through archival research, interviewing, and ethnography. The class was also very small which I appreciated because each week we had incredibly challenging but rewarding conversations. Overall, this course challenged my thinking and allowed us to reconsider the relationship between the people at the margins and the people at the center of American culture and society. Additionally, in POL347: US Constitutional Structure and Development, we always made sure to discuss Supreme Court decisions that were happening as our course was taking place like Roe v. Wade and Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. I enjoyed the relevancy of Professor Hurl’s lectures, and he gave us a space to pursue our own concerns with the US Constitution.
What are some ways that you were involved with the program?
As a student-athlete on the varsity swim team, I had a very busy schedule. However, I always made time for the CSUS/Munk School partnered events. From guest lectures, symposiums, or workshops, I always loved attending these events because I had access to new voices and projects outside of coursework and the UofT community.
Do you have any words of wisdom for current or future American Studies students?
Always ask yourself “why.” There is always more than one answer to this question and there is always more than one way to interpret a text. You can discover these different interpretations by listening to and engaging with your classmates’ ideas and critiques, enriching each other’s learning. If you force yourself to think openly and critically, thinking interdisciplinary will become second nature. American Studies can also tell us a lot about the world around us. Each discipline is a microcosm of global politics, economics, and social relations and American Studies allows us to study these connections at a smaller scale.
What are next steps for you after graduating from U of T?
I will be heading back to the University of Toronto to pursue a Master of Teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education starting this Fall. I would love to try my hand in teaching in a classroom, but eventually I would love to explore the realm of education policy, education law, and human rights in education.
What are some insights from the American Studies Program that you think you will be able to apply in your future activities?
Education, particularly in the United States, is at the forefront of polarizing debates and policy reform. Educational restrictions, like the implemented and proposed laws attacking the LGBTQ+ and racialized communities, are telling of the current social landscape in America. Whether my future work in educational policy is in the United States or elsewhere, American studies has taught me to question the tension between societal structure and individual agency. Alongside my classmates, we have taken complex topics and broken them down into the injustices and oppressive practices we see in everyday life. Understanding not only who has the power, but why they have the power, is integral to facilitate change and fight for human rights in education systems.
Irene Anastasiadis
Irene Anastasiadis graduated with a Major in American Studies along with a Double Minor in Canadian Studies and English. We asked Irene about her undergraduate experience and where she is headed to next!
Please share your fondest memory from being an American Studies student.
My last big project on the Dust Bowl in 3rd year – the course was "Climates in Crisis: America and its Environments" (AMS401). It was important because I finally had taken all the required AMS/USA courses.
What are some of the courses that you really enjoyed taking and why?
I thoroughly enjoyed taking AMS401 – Climates in Crisis: America and its Environments with Professor Rahr, partly because I like to research and the assignments in this course allowed me to do so. Also, I investigated present and past climate crises and how they affected the area and those living in these areas. In general, American studies courses do a great job at balancing the historical context and tying it into what is currently happening today. This is important because it not only makes the information you are learning relevant, but it doesn’t bore you to death either!
Do you have any words of wisdom for current or future American Studies students?
A piece of advice would be to not get discouraged when starting any program – major or minor. It can seem like a lot; however, you don’t even notice how quickly you rack up the credits by the end of just one year. Do the readings and don’t just skim them! I know it’s hard to do them all but having a good schedule does wonders. I wish I did.... American Studies readings are not insanely intense, but they can be packed sometimes so it's all about being prepared!
What are next steps for you after graduating from U of T?
I recently got accepted into Boston University for a Master of Science in Journalism. It is a 12-month program starting in September and I am very excited to use the skills I acquired at UofT and specifically in the American Studies program to help me succeed in this master's program.
What are some insights from the American Studies Program that you think you will be able to apply in your future activities?
Being able to research, write long papers, and read hefty scholarly articles has prepared me for a master’s in journalism. I have been able to become more comfortable with my writing as well as improve my time management skills thanks to the American Studies Program. The skills and habits I have acquired throughout my undergrad and majoring in this program will only help me succeed in my future activities.