Andrew Hook Centre for American Studies

Description

Since the seventeenth century, Glasgow has served as a gateway for economic, social, and cultural exchange between Scotland and North America, establishing strong connections that form the foundation for American Studies at the University of Glasgow. Renowned for its pioneering efforts in the study of American society and culture in the British Isles, the University of Glasgow was among the first British universities to recognize the significance of American literature, history, and politics. In fact, John Nichol, Glasgow's inaugural Regius Professor of Literature appointed in 1862, boldly taught American literature during a time when few academics in Britain or America considered it a legitimate part of English literature. His groundbreaking work, "American Literature: An Historical Sketch, 1620-1880" published in 1882, was the first of its kind on both sides of the Atlantic.

Over the years, the University of Glasgow has fostered a distinguished lineage of Americanists, including esteemed scholars such as Sir Denis Brogan, Esmond Wright, Peter Parish, William Brock, and Andrew Hook, who have contributed significantly to the field of American Studies. In recognition of this rich heritage, the University established the Andrew Hook Centre for American Studies in 1997, making it Scotland's sole center for American Studies and home to one of the leading taught master's degree courses in the UK. The Centre also hosts the most comprehensive American Studies lecture and seminar series in Scotland, which is open to academics, students, and the wider public.

The Andrew Hook Centre for American Studies has welcomed esteemed guests, including Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, and Grammy-nominated musician Bruce Molsky, as well as scholars from North America and Europe, who have delivered presentations on a diverse range of topics. Furthermore, the Centre has hosted the annual conferences of esteemed organizations such as the British Association for American Studies, the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, and the Scottish Association for the Study of America, along with numerous smaller conferences and symposia.

Bringing together scholars from various disciplines across the University, the Andrew Hook Centre for American Studies serves as a focal point for research and teaching on the history, literature, media, and culture of the United States. Faculty associated with the Centre are primarily based in subject areas such as History, English Literature, Theatre, Film and Television Studies, Music, and Politics. The Centre offers a taught MLitt degree as well as a research PhD, and fosters a vibrant research community of postgraduates and academic staff.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

1997

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University of Glasgow
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Glasgow
G12 8QQ