Introduction

American Studies at Amsterdam University Amsterdam has developed a tradition which has long set it apart from approaches elsewhere. Unlike other programmes in Europe, it has not grown out of the study of American language and literature, but has always been interdisciplinary, combining history, social sciences and literary studies in its approach. Unlike American studies programmes at American universities (where America tends to be studied from the inside), Amsterdam has always looked at the United States from an international and comparative perspective. A recent outgrowth of this perspective is the importance of the subject of globalisation.
For the Amsterdam programme this perspective has the following three consequences. Firstly, students will look at the United States as an international presence, in the way it affects other countries and cultures politically, economically, militarily, and culturally. Secondly, they will study the ways in which intellectuals in a number of European countries have analysed America as a counterpoint to Europe, trying to grasp its critical differences from European traditions. In a sense this exploration is as much European intellectual history as it is American studies. Thirdly, America as a cultural presence in European mass media, such as film, radio, television, photographs and advertising, will be explored.
The central themes for study and discussion are the nature of American culture, the Americanisation of Europe, the European debate about American mass culture, and the relation between Americanisation and globalisation. Central themes in the programme will be the Americanisation of Europe, the European debate about American mass culture, and the allegations concerning American cultural imperialism.

MA director and academic advisor: prof.dr. R.V.A. Janssens R.V.A.Janssens@uva.nl

Career outlook
The Master's degree programme in American studies will prepare students for post-graduate studies, independent research, journalism, as well as for a variety of advisory, managerial jobs in advisory organisations and government institutions.