Bachelor of Arts in American Studies

Globalization and internationalization are now central issues for higher education worldwide, and particularly for the International Black Sea University, established in 1995, that serves the mission to develop educational, cultural, economic, and social issues between Georgia and Turkey. The only English American Studies Program, opened first time in Georgia in 2002 at the International Black Sea University, based precisely on principles of globalization and internationalization, got involved in the relations between the two countries and thus created the triangle of relations, that is often mentioned at the American Studies program annual scientific conferences by the American Ambassadors accredited in Georgia. American Studies Program at the International Black Sea University (I.B.S.U.) is simultaneously multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary in character. As a multidisciplinary program, it provides an opportunity for students to investigate the heritage and contemporary developments of the U.S.A. from the variety of disciplines: American History, American Geography, American Literature, American Novel, Multiculturalism, American Media, American Politics, American Economics, American Business, Hollywood, Women’s Studies in the U.S., etc. Besides, our program involves Computing, Second foreign-language: Spanish, Turkish, German, Russian, French, Georgian (for foreign students). American Studies program will give chance to Georgian, as well as foreign students to get high level Western, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary education about the United States envisaging Georgian requirements. This mission will be carried out by highly qualified Georgian, as well American Fulbright Professors invited by the US embassy in Georgia. The mission of this program is to organize the educational process in a way, that will meet the requirements of the labor market, students’ wishes and aspirations and will be oriented on the Major and Minor programs’ relevant outcomes. Today domestic and International issues increasingly mix together. The community requires that we become more than simply adept at integrating with those who are different. Precisely this is American Studies program’s challenge: to provide Georgian and foreign students with profound knowledge of aspects of American culture and society through diachronic, as well as synchronic approaches. American Ambassadors permanently participate in Annual American Studies International Conferences

Strong Sides of the Program

With the help of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary methodology, the unique specificity of this sphere, and interactive methods of the program will work out in students analytical thinking towards conceptual issues around the superpower, that interests the whole world, and Georgia specifically. As an interdisciplinary program, promoting a broad understanding of American Culture and Society, it will encourage scholars from diverse disciplines to exchange ideas on America; students will examine the ways how American life relates to world society. The program expects from multicultural students of the American Studies Direction to compare the aspects of the American culture and their own cultures through the following interdisciplinary courses: American Multicultural Studies, American Culture and Society, Women’s Studies in the U.S., Pop Culture.We believe all above-mentioned will provide appropriate education for students to become American Studies intelligent experts, specialists in Public Relations sphere, translators. The program plans to develop student’s creative skills to write, speak, and analyze effectively; develop a respectful attitude in students towards social, ethical and moral values, on which the relationship between society and individual is built; develop in students analytical thinking, decision making and communication skills, responsibility, self-education. Therefore, American Studies students leave I.B.S.U. for careers in a wide range of institutions: Offices of Public Relations, Public Administration, Cultural departments, Banks, NGOs, as well as English Language Teachers, Translators. Besides, B.A. Degree Program in American Studies is a solid basis for further scholarly studies at M.A. and Ph.D. programs.

Outcome

With the help of the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary methodology, the unique specificity of this sphere and interactive methods the program will work out in students analytical thinking towards conceptual issues around the superpower – the U.S. that interests the whole world and Georgia specifically. The program expects from students of the American Studies direction to investigate the heritage and contemporary developments of the U.S.A. from the variety of disciplines: American Geography, American Landmarks, American Literature, American History, American Culture & Society, Multicultural Studies, American Media, American Politics, American Economy, American Business, Women’s Studies. Therefore, American Studies students leave I.B.S.U. for a career in a wide range of institutions: embassies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Defense; offices: Public Relations, Public Administration, Departments of Culture, Banks, NGOs, as well as English Language Teachers, Translators. Besides B.A. Degree, the program in American Studies is a solid basis for further scholarly studies at M.A. & Ph.D. programs.

Exchange

International Black Sea University offers students exchange programmes with American and European universities.

Minor Program

BA American Studies Programme offers students two minor programs. The courses within each minor program start from the sophomore year of studies and require students to accumulate 60 credits (ECTS):

• Minor in Public Relations (PR)
• Minor in Translation.