Education paper by Szentgyörgyi, Szilárd
University of Pannonia, Veszprém

New Cooperation between Nazareth College, Rochester, N.Y. and the University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary: A Degree in American Studies

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Abstract (max. 250 words):
In 2009, Nazareth College in Rochester and the University of Pannonia in Veszprém decided to start up a new joint master’s program in American studies. The two institutions have worked out all the details of the joint program, which is currently in the process of being accredited.
The Master of Arts degree in American Studies is designed to facilitate the academic and professional development of individuals who have studied some aspect of American history, language or culture as undergraduates, and to provide interdisciplinary study and preparation for those who wish to gain entry into broadly conceived applied fields such as education, government or international service. Students receive the preparation needed to be active and informed members of their academic and professional communities, and to have a keen awareness of issues and trends in the US and of global factors in culture and politics. Emphasis is placed on the role of globalization and the need for cultural competencies.
This interdisciplinary M.A. in American Studies will appeal to students with diverse academic interests and career goals. Some may be seeking New York State professional certification. Some students may be preparing to pursue a doctorate in American Studies or in English Language and Literature, American history, American philosophy, Sociology, or International Studies. The international component in Eastern Europe may be particularly attractive to students pursuing careers in diplomacy or in service to international NGOs. The attraction for international students is a degree from an American institution with an excellent curriculum in American Studies and an opportunity to conduct original research in the United States in the upstate New York region, which is rich in archival and cultural resources.
The joint American Studies master’s program is expected to attract a lot of attention. Even though programs in the humanities are normally not considered to be among the most popular ones, an American Studies program, especially a joint one by Nazareth College and the University of Pannonia seems to be an exception as it offers several kinds of advantage for several kinds of potential students: members of the Hungarian communities in any country may find it an excellent opportunity for their children to earn a valuable degree and to learn about their Hungarian roots – a way to learn the language and familiarize themselves with the culture – a unique experience, which would be difficult to do without traveling to Hungary. As a result of this, part of the recruitment will concentrate on Hungarians outside their mother country – this includes a few hundred thousand up to possibly a few million people – via their links to Hungarian minority organizations.
The conference offers a great chance to present this bridge under construction, which will not only bring together Hungarians with Hungarians on the other side of the Atlantic, but with Americans and other nationalities to offer them a unique (multi)cultural experience.



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