Stories from the American Studies Class 2024

Rosemary Crowley graduated with a Major in History along with a Major in American Studies and a Minor in Human Geography. We asked Rosemary about her undergraduate experience and where she is headed next!

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

Back in 2022, USAS hosted a pub trivia night. USAS had only been around for a few months, and it was our first real social event. None of us really knew what we were doing, and it was semi-thrown together, but we still showed up and were pleasantly surprised when about a dozen other people did as well. Some of them were friends of execs, and others were people who had never heard of American Studies and were only there for the free drinks, but we all had fun, and it was a great bonding experience for the exec team, as it was the first time some of us had really talked. That was the first time I felt like a part of the program beyond taking a few classes, and it really pushed me to continue getting involved.

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

One of my favorite things about American Studies was that it allowed me to take such a wide variety of courses and pursue interests outside of the program as well as in it. However, two courses that especially stuck out to me were AMS300: Theories and Methods in American Studies and AMS400: A Nation of Immigrants. AMS300 forced me to consider and analyze the underlying beliefs and themes of America that I had never really thought about or even identified before. AMS400 built on the skills and information I had learned in AMS300 by focusing on one particular aspect of the United States. I also enjoyed AMS400 because it allowed me to incorporate skills and information that I had learned in my history and human geography courses.

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

I was a USAS exec for two and a half years and co-editor-in-chief of the Undergraduate Journal of American Studies for one year.

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

Participate in the program and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. This could mean getting involved in USAS or the journal, presenting at the symposium, doing field research, or even just attending lectures for the free food. The program may be small, but this just means that more of its students can participate in and benefit from its many opportunities.

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

I am currently a James H. Dunn Fellow working in the Governor’s Office of Constituent Affairs in Illinois. After I complete my fellowship, I plan on getting my Master’s Degree.

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

Over my four years of university, the American Studies courses that I took taught me to consume and analyze large amounts of incredibly complex information in a short period of time before discussing it with other people. I also learned how to be critical of the information and messages in the various texts and media I studied. These are valuable skills in the professional world as well as in life and have already served me well in both.

Andrew Jennings graduated with a Major in History, along with a Double Minor in American Studies and History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. We asked Andrew about his undergraduate experience and where he is headed to next!

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

Looking back, some of my best memories from American Studies were all the events hosted by the Munk School. There was always something interesting going on - panels, guest speakers, symposiums, and so on. But what really made it special was hanging out with my classmates there. We'd grab some snacks, find a corner, and just dive into conversations about what we'd heard. It was so different from sitting in lectures. You'd learn so much about your classmates' perspectives, and honestly, that's where I made some great friends. Those chats over cookies and coffee? That's where some of the best learning happened for me. It wasn't just about the coursework, but the whole experience of being there with other people who were just as excited about this stuff as I was.

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

Hands down, AMS310: Race, Segregation, Protest: South Africa and the United States was my absolute favorite. Not just in American Studies, but in my whole undergrad experience. I might be a bit biased - I grew up in the States and my dad's South African, so the topic hit close to home. But seriously, this class was something else. You could tell Professor Halpern loved teaching it, which made everyone all the more engaged. The small class size meant we could really dig into discussions, and the way we compared the two countries was eye-opening for me. What I loved most was how we were encouraged to make our own connections between the histories. It wasn't just about memorizing facts; we were really thinking critically. I've never had another class quite like it.

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

I had the privilege of serving as an assistant editor for the Undergraduate Journal for the Study of the United States. It was a truly enriching experience. Our team was led by Jackson and Simone, who were excellent in guiding us through the process. Professor Montange supervised the project, and I was impressed by how much creative freedom she allowed us. One of the most rewarding aspects was the opportunity to read and engage with outstanding student scholarship. It gave me a new appreciation for the quality of undergraduate research in our program and the field of American Studies, in general.

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

Here's my advice for American Studies students: First, get yourself to as many Munk and AMS events as possible. And I'm not just talking about the free food, though that's definitely a bonus! These events are goldmines for networking and learning beyond the classroom. Don't overlook your college writing centers either. They're an incredible resource that a lot of students forget about. Trust me, they can really help polish your papers and boost your grades. Lastly, make an effort to connect with your professors. I know it can feel intimidating, but it's so worth it. Stop by during office hours, sit in the first row, ask questions after class, or even shoot them an email about something interesting you found related to their course. These conversations can be incredibly rewarding and often lead to unexpected insights. Plus, having professors who know you personally can be a huge advantage down the line. Whether you need a reference for grad school or some career advice, it's always helpful to have faculty members in your corner. Remember, your time in this program is what you make of it. Take advantage of every opportunity - you won't regret it.

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

After graduation, I'm heading back home to New York for a bit of a breather from the academic grind, I figured it's time to recharge the batteries. I'm planning to work for a year, which should be a nice change of pace and help me save up. While I'm working, I'll be gearing up for the next big step - grad school. I'm aiming to start in 2025, so I'll be knee-deep in applications before I know it. The plan is to dive deeper into American history and historical research. There's just so much more I want to explore in this field.

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 really broadened my view of the U.S., helping me see beyond the headlines and into the deeper story of the nation. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative news, but this program has shown me that America is much more than its current challenges. What stands out to me is the long history of ordinary people striving to create a better society—people who have shaped pivotal moments like Seneca Falls, Stonewall, and the Occupation of Alcatraz. These were watershed moments driven by those who refused to accept the status quo. Through this program, I’ve come to see American democracy and diversity as evolving processes, not fixed ideals. It’s clear that while the country’s history is marked by tragedy, it’s also filled with stories of progress and activism. This understanding has given me a sense of connection to the past and a recognition that we all have a role in shaping the future, in building a more perfect Union. So, as an American, American Studies has taught me that my country is an ongoing project—imperfect, but dynamic and constantly moving. And in that, there’s both humility and a sense of empowerment, knowing that we’re part of something bigger, something that’s still being written.

Reva Mai graduated with a Major in American Studies and a Major in History, along with a minor in Material Culture & Semiotics. We asked Reva about her undergraduate experience and where she is headed to next!

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

Looking back on my time as an American Studies student, my fondest memories was the travelling I got to do thanks to the American Studies department. I was able to go to Montreal for the American Studies Association (ASA) Annual Meeting and, in the process, make wonderful memories with other American Studies students. AMS313: Transnational America featured a class trip to San Diego and California, where I got to bond with classmates I had never met until that class. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more tight-knit community than the American Studies program, and I’m grateful to have experienced it. 

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

It’s hard not to immediately think of AMS313: Transnational America as a class I really enjoyed; a week-long trip to San Diego and Los Angeles is extremely hard to beat. AMS313 was so enjoyable because of how transnationalism as a concept and phenomenon allowed for such a variety of different perspectives from everyone. Most of all, my classmates were friendly and I loved experiencing California with them. I also enjoyed AMS312: Media, Politics, and the 2022 Midterm Elections in the USA. Professor Sam Tanenhaus was amazing, and his knowledge of US politics, due to his experience as a journalist and editor, provided so many insightful points and humorous stories.  

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

American Studies is such an interdisciplinary field that it’s hard for your work and readings not to intersect with other academic disciplines. By accepting and even embracing that you’ll most likely have to understand insights through a lens you have never thought of before, I think you’ll find American Studies so much more interesting. Most of all, I encourage everyone to find a way to relate their passions and research interests to the AMS courses you take – passion is so important.  

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

I will be doing my MA in American Studies at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, as well as a concurrent Graduate Certificate Program in Museum Studies, starting in Fall 2024. Hopefully, I'll be able to take a successful step into a career focused on museum curation after! 

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

American Studies taught me how to efficiently analyze scholarly material, and I think that’s an important skill I’ll be glad to have as I pursue my Master's. Most importantly, the program taught me how important it is to approach topics and American history with perspectives from different disciplines, and I have no doubt that my education in the future, whether in school or work, will benefit from the consideration of varied perspectives. 

Katherine Murphy graduated with a Double Major in American Studies and Political Science. We asked Katherine 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 as an American Studies student was getting the opportunity to finish off my American Studies History degree requirements with HIS343: History of Modern Intelligence as a Summer Abroad Student at Oxford University! Travelling and living in the United Kingdom for a month was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever experienced. My memories of Oxford have motivated me to one day live and work in the United Kingdom.

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

The American Studies program offered so many great courses throughout my undergraduate degree. Some of the most memorable courses were AMS400: Stormy Weather: American Natural Disasters. AMS400 was taught as a half-lecture, half-seminar-based course on a topic that was unlike any other American Studies course I had ever taken. The small number of students pushed each of us to work through our thoughts and feelings out loud in what felt like a real welcoming community of students. Secondly, AMS312: Black Art in North America was such a delight. It was also another topic that I never had a chance to study in depth and because it was a cross listed course with Art History, my educational world was opened up to also include how art history and art analysis works. It was such a joy to have been able to participate in both of these classes during my undergrad!

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

American Studies is a tight-knit community. Therefore, getting involved was a no-brainer for me. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to run for USAS, the Undergraduate Society for American Studies, as the Vice President for Social Events. Through USAS, I got to know the other students who held executive positions and worked with them throughout the year to facilitate successful American Studies events! Our meetings, once a month, were social events I would always look forward to despite the busy school schedule of the semester.

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

Get involved! Putting yourself out there is one of the best things you can do as an undergrad student. Whether getting to know professors better by attending office hours or running for an executive position on USAS, the more you put yourself out there, the more you can take away once those quick four years are done. (Trust me, the years go by so quickly.) Secondly, take courses that may sound out of your comfort zone; those are often the most rewarding, from my experience.

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

I am happy to say that I will return to U of T at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. From September 2024 to April 2026, I will work towards a Master of Global Affairs. I can’t wait to continue my journey with the University of Toronto! I am also delighted to be continuing my work with the Centre for International Experience, helping students from around the world succeed at U of T!

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 broadened my understanding of the United States and the Americas, with their deep history, politics, and economics. Throughout the many courses I took as an American Studies major, I gained a better understanding of the United States and its involvement in global affairs and various international institutions by using critical analysis, a skill that will benefit me greatly during my journey as a Master’s student in Global Affairs.