American
Studies Center
2003
Report
Dr.
John Hillis, ASC Director
The American
Studies Center at the University of Bahrain was established by former University
president Dr. Mohammed Al-Ghatam, and former US Ambassador Johnny Young.
The Center was inaugurated in May 1998, although courses were not offered till
the following year. The US Embassy supplied the Center with a large
selection of reference books, primary and secondary sources, journals, videos,
CD ROMs, computers, and other materials, while the university supplied the
bookcases, desks, and other furniture.
The original
concept underlying the American Studies Program was to offer a diploma in which
students would take two years at the University of Bahrain, completing various
university and college requirements in addition to introductory American Studies
courses. Upon completion of the diploma, students would then go on to
complete their studies in the United States at an accredited US university,
gaining a BA in American Studies or related field (e.g. American literature).
While this
program is still an option, on a practical level it was seen that offering a
minor in American Studies would be the most feasible alternative and such a
program was authorized by the University Council. A preliminary plan
consisting of courses in American literature, history, geography, government,
foreign policy, and culture was drawn up by staff in the then English
Department, with input from members of other departments who formed a committee
established by the Dean of the College of Arts.
The American
Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program (the only one in the university)
which draws on the expertise of staff from outside the Department of Foreign
Languages and Literatures as well as visiting Fulbright scholars from the U.S.
Unlike the French, German, and Japanese Studies programs, the American Studies
Center does not teach any language courses because all of its students are
English majors to begin with.
The curriculum
has undergone some modifications to meet the needs of our students as well as to
complement American Studies programs in US universities. The American
Studies Committee, chaired by Dr. Mohammed Qaddumi, decided to reduce the number
of required courses and prerequisites while adding some courses focusing on
culture. The modified curriculum was subsequently approved by the
University Council and is currently in effect. It should be noted that the
total number of 10 courses (30 credit hours) required for the minor has not
changed.
One persistent
question about the American Studies program is its practical benefit.
Students who are interested in minoring in American Studies consistently ask how
it might help them to get a job. Of course, there is no guarantee that
taking such a minor will make a student more marketable, but students are
finding that an intimate knowledge of American culture is an asset in the
increasingly globalized environment in which America plays a vital role.
Recognizing this,
students are increasingly attracted to the American Studies program and those
students who have chosen it are enthusiastic about both the curriculum as well
as extracurricular activities which the Center regularly sponsors. In this
regard, outside organizations such as the American Business Association, the
American Women's Association, the Bahrain Officers' Spouses Association, as well
as the US Embassy have been very supportive in donating materials and
interacting in other ways with the Center.
The American
Studies program is proud of its accomplishments. Among the first group to
complete their studies with a minor in American Studies is a student who has
recently earned her MA in American literature at Stanford University and plans
to continue her research towards a Ph.D. at another prestigious university. The
American Studies Center looks forward to continuing such achievements and making
a significant contribution to the academic life of the University of Bahrain.
Contact
the American Studies Center
(973)
17438746
