Perin Gurel, Assistant Professor of American Studies, has been awarded the 2018-2019 Jack Rosenbalm Prize for American Humor Studies for her essay "Amerikan Jokes: The Transnational Politics of Unlaughter in Turkey." The essay appeared in American Quarterly (Volume 71, Issue 1, March 2019).

Perin Gurel Assistant Professor of American Studies

"The Department of American Studies is unparalleled in its course offerings. As an undergraduate, I was able to study America through the lenses of race, religion, gender, class, popular culture, politics, and more. As I started my senior year, I was nervous about the job search, but I found that employers were impressed with my ability to speak and write clearly. I am grateful to my professors for developing me into a skilled critical thinker and communicator. I am so excited to work for General Mills after graduation and use my American Studies degree every day."

Laksumi Sivanandan Class of 2020, American Studies and Political Science Major

Professor Ruiz is the recipient of the 2019 Sheedy Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award is bestowed annually on a faculy member in the College of Arts and Letters. This award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching, informed by research, over a wide range of courses while employing innovative and creative teaching methods.

Jason Ruiz Associate Professor of American Studies