BA in American Studies

BA program in American Studies equips students with specialized knowledge about American society and culture, and a deeper understanding of global and comparative perspectives, providing them with diverse career opportunities.

What you will learn

The three-year, first-cycle studies program in American Studies is divided into six semesters. Our interdisciplinary program encompasses courses in various disciplines, such as cultural and religious studies, literature, history, political science, anthropology, sociology, and many others. In addition to the obligatory courses, students can enroll in a number of elective classes which would inform their specific interests.

The program includes academic writing classes, where you can learn to read, understand, and write well-rounded academic texts.

Why study with us?

Our faculty members are dedicated to developing advanced critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of culture, society, history and politics that extend beyond the United States itself. In the course of your studies, you will be able to explore diverse aspects of American history, society, and culture, through the study of literature, art, film, music, popular culture, politics, economics, social movements, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, immigration, urbanization, and other topics.

Such multidimensional approach will enhance your critical thinking, develop your analytical skills, teach you to examine issues from multiple angles, draw connections and develop your own perspectives. Thus, you will not only gain a deeper, holistic understanding of the United States, but also understand complex social, cultural and political processes that take place also outside this country, being able to address various contemporary issues in local, regional and trans-regional contexts.

Immerse yourself in English

All courses in the program are taught in English. Through constant exposure to English in class instructions, assigned readings, discussions, group projects, movies, and writing, we facilitate a full immersion in an English-speaking academic environment, which accelerates language acquisition.

By the end of the program, you should have learned to speak and write in English at a professional level of fluency.

During your studies, you will be provided with many opportunities to attend lectures with native speakers, as several of our permanent faculty are scholars from the US and Mexico. In addition, every semester we host visiting professors from the US and European countries. This will expose you to different accents, vocabulary, and cultural nuances, helping you develop a good understanding of American English.

Becoming more comfortable with your English will benefit you academically and personally in many ways. Studying in English, which is the international language of communication, opens up a broader range of educational and professional opportunities, as English proficiency is highly valued by employers in many fields.

Course catalogues

Our offer changes each year!

Over the years the American Studies Center has offered a variety of courses for students to choose from. The catalogues are a quick and convenient tool to browse through the Center’s most recent course offerings.

After your studies

Graduates of the program will have earned a licencjat degree, comparable to Bachelor of Arts degree, in cultural studies with an emphasis in American Studies. You will have developed strong critical thinking abilities, research skills, intercultural competence, and effective communication skills, highly valued in various professions.

This opens up diverse career paths in an array of professions, such as education, journalism, business, public policy, cultural organizations, non-profit organizations, international relations, foreign trade, media, culture, education, administration, foreign service, diplomacy, tourism, and much more. Moreover, the program also provides a solid foundation for pursuing advanced degrees in American Studies or related fields.

Continue your education with us at the graduate level!

 

No idea what you want to do after your studies?

We understand, as there are plenty of possibilities. Check out the testimonies of some of our Alumni and get inspired!

About us


Established in 1976 as a research institute, the American Studies Center first opened its MA program in 1992. Today, the ASC is the second largest American Studies department in Europe, offering a vigorous BA and MA American Studies programs, which reflect the breadth and dynamism of the field. 
We are one of the few non–language teaching institutes at the University of Warsaw where all courses are taught in English. We are proud of our brilliant and passionate students, whose enthusiasm drives numerous initiatives within our rich institutional culture. Our Center is strongly internationalized – several of our permanent faculty are scholars from the US and Mexico, and every semester we host visiting professors from the US and European countries. 

Admission criteria

Admission criteria for the BA program in American Studies comprise a high-school diploma and an adequate grade in high-level English at the school-leaving exams.

Fees

The BA program is free for students from Poland, EU, EFTA and Swiss Confederation. For other students the tuition is 4600 EUR for each year.

Contact

Should you have any questions about the admission requirements for this programme, please get in touch with the Head of Admissions Committee.

dr Anna Kurowicka

dr Anna Kurowicka

Head of the Admissions Committee

rekrutacja.osa@uw.edu.pl

a.kurowicka@uw.edu.pl

Room 3.055

 

If you want to ask about the program or student life, feel free to reach out to the ASC Counselor for Students’ Affairs.

dr Małgorzata Gajda-Łaszewska

dr Małgorzata Gajda-Łaszewska

ASC Counselor for Students’ Affairs

mgajda@uw.edu.pl

+48 22 55 333 19

Room 1.043

Office hours in Fall semester 2023/2024:
Tuesdays, 11:45 – 12:45, 15:00 – 16:00, online via ZOOM, book your appointment at Doodle
Thursdays, 12:00 – 14:00, room 1.043