{"id":2535,"date":"2025-04-29T13:13:30","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T11:13:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/?page_id=2535"},"modified":"2025-08-30T11:46:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T09:46:32","slug":"new-american-studies-spec","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/new-american-studies-spec\/","title":{"rendered":"New American Studies SPEC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/spec-american-studies_page_1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"761\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/spec-american-studies_page_1.jpg\" alt=\"spec american studies page 1\" class=\"wp-image-2653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/spec-american-studies_page_1.jpg 761w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/spec-american-studies_page_1-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">spec american studies page 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>New American Studies (NAS) is a dynamic specialization at UNIL that explores contemporary American culture through literature, theory, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Whether your passion lies in social justice, film, or literature, this program offers tools to critically engage with the world\u2019s most influential cultural \u2018powerhouse.\u2019 This program is also ideal for anyone wishing to learn more about Cultural Studies tools in order to better understand race, class and gender dynamics in any culture (and not just the U.S.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:0px;font-size:5px\"><blockquote><p>\u201c[The SPEC] was a great program. It&#8217;s an extremely useful SPEC for any student who would like to do a m\u00e9moire on a topic related to America. Personally, it also felt like a great way to end university. It gave me one more semester where I could just study what I enjoyed the most.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Donjeta Sokoli<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:0px;font-size:5px\"><blockquote><p>\u201cI just wanted to thank the teachers and say that I had a wonderful time at UNIL during the SPEC. This program has greatly shaped the way I view literature and how I plan to approach it with my students throughout my career as an English teacher.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Am\u00e9lie Bron<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>NAS in 10 steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>WHAT IS NAS?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The Faculty of Arts of the University of Lausanne offers a New American Studies (NAS) specialization program worth 30 ECTS that students can add to their Master\u2019s study plan to acquire a 120 ECTS MA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Admission requirements and registration procedures are detailed in the&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unil.ch\/files\/live\/sites\/lettres\/files\/shared\/Faculte\/Reglements\/DD\/0.3bis%e2%80%93Directive-Decanat-inscription-specialisation(MA%202015).pdf\"><em>D\u00e9canat\u2019s directive 0.3bis<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nouvelles \u00e9tudes am\u00e9ricaines\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8BnlAylLmJ8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>WHY \u2018NEW\u2019?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This program situates itself on the frontier of contemporary American Studies as the field is being reconceived and reconfigured from within in recent decades. More international and transnational, comparative, interdisciplinary, theoretically informed and politically engaged, the New American Studies eschews the exceptionalism of the \u201cold\u201d American Studies (as it was forged during the Cold War) and proposes to look at North America and its multiple cultures from a de-centered and comparativist perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>WHO IS IT FOR?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>This program explores Cultural Studies methodologies examining gender, race, class, and cultural politics through the lens of American influence. While focused on the US as an exporter of popular culture and multicultural contact zone, our approach critically investigates America&#8217;s paradoxical global impact: simultaneously reinforcing extraction capitalism and white supremacy while providing tools for resistance movements like Black Lives Matter, MeToo, and Occupy Wall Street. Between these extremes lies a rich landscape of cultural influence through literature, film, media, visual arts, political movements, music, subcultures, and gaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any MA student of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unil.ch\/angl\/home.html\">English Department<\/a>\u00a0can sign up, as well as students with a BA in English from a sister university in Switzerland. Students from other departments can be considered if they have a C1 level command of English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To register you must meet the following conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>not have submitted your m\u00e9moire;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>be able to complete the specialization program within the maximum duration of MA studies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>WHY CHOOSE NAS?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI chose New American Studies because it lets me dig into American culture\u2019s twists and turns, exploring everything from identity to pop culture in fresh ways. It\u2019s a field where I got to question, rethink, and dive into what really shapes America.\u201d \u2013 Donjeta Sokoli (Class of 2024)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cBecause I am deeply interested in the American studies field so I wanted to specialize in it (the idea of taking more classes and writing my M\u00e9moire in this field was really appealing to me) and have a degree showing that I have knowledge in this area.\u201d \u2013 H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Martin (Class of 2025)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI was interested in American lit and wanted the opportunity to take more courses on the subject.\u201d \u2013 Anonymous (Class of 2022)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cBecause American culture is fascinating.\u201d \u2013 William Flores (Class of 2024, currently a PhD candidate in German literature)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cIn order to do more ECTS in English (and especially American literature) as it was my favorite subject.\u201d \u2013 Anonymous (Class of 2023)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cBecause it was the area of specialization that dealt with the topics I was and still am most interested in.\u201d \u2013 Nayansaku Mufwankolo (Class of 2019, currently employed at HEAD in Geneva)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cThroughout my university career, I&#8217;d always been interested in American literature and American history. I wanted to further develop my knowledge around this country&#8217;s culture and literature and my tools to analysis its cultural items. I think the 2016 election of Donald Trump motivated in a way my decision as it was the result of different aspects of American culture coming together. Furthermore, throughout my studies, I was interested in the idea of the American project, the construction of American identity through text, and its unavoidable nature, even here. I guess that since childhood I had been infatuated with the idea of America and the SPEC was a great way for me to explore it more deeply. Aside that, I also imagined that the SPEC would help me in my future career as a teacher, giving me more skills and making me aware of resources to talk about this country with my students. It hasn&#8217;t been the case yet, but I am sure it will. Furthermore, because I knew that I would write my m\u00e9moire on a topic related to American literature, I wanted to study it further in order to produce a better informed text.\u201d \u2013 Guy Da Costa (Class of 2022)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cBecause I was already specialising in NAS modules and\/or subjects without knowing it. I was appealed by the research topics. The interdisciplinarity really interested me. I particularly enjoyed Gender Studies, Postcolonial Studies and Environmental Studies. I also appreciated the team.\u201d \u2013 Angela Neves (Class of 2022)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cBecause I was interested in American culture and environmental studies.\u201d \u2013 Am\u00e9lie Bron (Class of 2024)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cBecause throughout my studies, I have found a particular interest with American culture and literature, and I felt that this SPEC allowed me to explore it more broadly.\u201d \u2013 Julie Bubloz (Class of 2024)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>HOW DOES IT WORK?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>See the plan d\u2019\u00e9tudes&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/applicationspub.unil.ch\/interpub\/noauth\/php\/Ud\/structureCoursPdf.php?v_ueid=174&amp;v_etapeid1=24534&amp;v_semposselected=-1&amp;v_langue=fr&amp;v_isinterne=1\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/04\/image.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"904\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/04\/image.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-2541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/04\/image.png 904w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/04\/image-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/04\/image-768x542.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To complete the NAS SPEC, you\u2019ll:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/applicationspub.unil.ch\/interpub\/noauth\/php\/Ud\/ficheCours.php?v_enstyid=96829&amp;v_ueid=174&amp;v_etapeid1=24534&amp;v_langue=fr&amp;v_isinterne=1\">introductory course<\/a>&nbsp;(Autumn only)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enroll in one other MA-level course in American Lit\/Culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Present at the public Colloque final (2 ECTS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earn 18 more ECTS through:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Courses at UNIL (e.g., cinema, gender studies)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partner universities (e.g., Geneva, Zurich)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/123518342_17.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"277\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/123518342_17.jpg\" alt=\"123518342 17\" class=\"wp-image-2633\" style=\"width:411px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/123518342_17.jpg 277w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/123518342_17-198x300.jpg 198w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 277px) 100vw, 277px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">123518342 17<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1c6ErRlhuYWnLq6l4tr8W4xTL-4z7RFzYQnRszVD05l94efu5oAO5guqH30M8NmQEm38ViTWF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Link to the presentations of past \u2018colloques\u2019 (4 ppts)<\/em>&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of classes in other Swiss universities:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Proseminar: Louise Erdrich<\/strong><\/td><td>Fribourg<\/td><td>Spring 2025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>American Self-Deception and Self-Renewal<\/strong><\/td><td>Fribourg<\/td><td>Spring 2025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Queer Feelings in North American Literatur<\/strong><\/td><td>Fribourg<\/td><td>Autumn 2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Violence and the American Novel<\/strong><\/td><td>Fribourg<\/td><td>Autumn 2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Home and Homeland in Contemporary Palestinian-American Women&#8217;s Writing<\/strong><\/td><td>Geneva<\/td><td>Spring 2025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Emily Dickinson and Lyric Theory<\/strong><\/td><td>Geneva<\/td><td>Autumn 2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>American War Stories in the 21st Century<\/strong><\/td><td>Zurich<\/td><td>Spring 2025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Contemporary Native American Novels<\/strong><\/td><td>Zurich<\/td><td>Autumn 2024<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>In the American Grain: Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson<\/strong><\/td><td>Zurich<\/td><td>Autumn 2024<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>ALUMNI PERSPECTIVES<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cThe colloque&nbsp;&nbsp;brought back all the great theories and authors I\u2019d explored over the past two years, and summed up everything I\u2019d learned. Beyond just preparing me for my thesis defense, it also helped with conceptualizing my thesis topic\u2014like a warm-up presentation in front of the Americanists before the real defense.\u201d \u2013 Donjeta Sokoli<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI did the 2024 edition of Les Myst\u00e8res de l&#8217;UNIL; we created a workshop around eco poetry and I really enjoyed taking part in this project. This was very fulfilling.\u201d \u2013 H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Martin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI worked for a Myst\u00e8res de l&#8217;UNIL workshop. organized by Agnieszka Soltysik Monnet. Our theme was ecopoetry and the asscoiated activity for the kids was bracelet making. So over the course of four days we taught them about ecopoetry while making bracelets with them in 45 minute sessions. It was a lot of fun!\u201d\u2013 William Flores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cFor the 3 free credits, I decide to help Agnieszka make this very blog more interactive and engaging, by collecting past graduates\u2019 feedback and experiences.\u201d \u2013 Andreia Abreu Remigio<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cIt was very interesting to have the opportunity to get involved in the process of organizing a conference. I wish students could get this opportunity more often, but also be involved even more in the organization (and not just participation, if that makes sense)!\u201d \u2013 Anonymous&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cIt was very interesting and enriching to listen to the presentations and to be able to exchange with the other participants and\/or speakers (if you&#8217;re not too shy ofc).\u201d \u2013 Nayansaku Mufwankolo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI only participated in the colloque final. It was a very nice experience. I enjoyed it, especially since we never really did anything like this in the department. This idea of exchanging on a final product with a sense of absolute freedom and make a day of it is extremely satisfying to me right now.\u201d \u2013 Guy Da Costa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cIt was a great experience! I felt free yet guided and supported in my research by Prof. Monnet. I appreciated that the colloque got announced and sort of advertised to the English section community. It was very fulfilling to present this projet in front of people who decided to be there, willingly, and not only because they had to sit through my presentation to get credits. I even got to present on the same day as a friend who actually focused on the decade right before my subject&#8217;s (the context of her research was the 50s and mine, the 60s). Prof. Monnet managed to support us enough to feel confident and ready in presenting our research in front of other students and teachers without &#8220;outshining&#8221; us. This was our moment, our time to share our research and interests with other NAS fellow colleagues. I truly felt like an expert on my research topic for the first time during my academic studies.\u201d \u2013 Angela Neves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI was thinking of organizing an event next semester where UNIL collaborates with Books Books Books to visit places around Lausanne where famous authors lived, roamed, or wrote about (for example, T.S. Eliot, Hemingway, etc.). I would love to prepare a booklet that people can buy cheaply (to support BBB) with extracts of the authors\u2019 writing, perhaps pictures of what the places looked like at the time, maps, and so on.\u201d \u2013 Thais Zhangi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Photos from the 2024 Myst\u00e8res de l&#8217;UNIL<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8305.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8305-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"img 8305\" class=\"wp-image-2636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8305-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8305-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8305-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8305-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8305.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Mysteres 2024 team: William, Donjeta, Millie, H\u00e9l\u00e8ne, Corey and Maxime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8142.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8142-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"img 8142\" class=\"wp-image-2637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8142-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8142-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8142-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8142-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8142.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ph.D. candidate Maxime Pellaton leading a Myst\u00e8res class with MA student Antonella on the right <br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8262.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8262-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"img 8262\" class=\"wp-image-2638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8262-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8262-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8262-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8262-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_8262.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7327.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7327-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"img 7327\" class=\"wp-image-2639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7327-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7327-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7327-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7327-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7327.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ph.D. candidate Corey Heimlich teaching the Myst\u00e8res team how to make eco-poetic bracelets<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/i-too-am-the-earth80.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/i-too-am-the-earth80-724x1024.jpg\" alt=\"i too am the earth[80]\" class=\"wp-image-2642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/i-too-am-the-earth80-724x1024.jpg 724w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/i-too-am-the-earth80-212x300.jpg 212w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/i-too-am-the-earth80-768x1086.jpg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/i-too-am-the-earth80.jpg 849w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">i too am the earth[80]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Colloque Final (20 minute pr\u00e9sentation of m\u00e9moire topic or other NAS research)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_6505.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_6505-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"img 6505\" class=\"wp-image-2640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_6505-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_6505-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_6505-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_6505-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_6505.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Colloque Finale by Julie Bubloz Jan. 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>UNIQUES OPPORTUNITIES<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>African American History and Culture Trip to Paris<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/news\/study-trips\/\">annual&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;trip<\/a>&nbsp;explores the century-long connection between French and African American cultures, focusing on Black American artists, writers, and intellectuals in Paris since WWI when jazz first arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Friday features a workshop discussing readings from the Study Trip Reader. Saturday includes&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walkthespirit.com\/\">Julia Browne&#8217;s<\/a>&nbsp;walking tour of St. Germain des Pr\u00e9s, highlighting notable figures like Richard Wright and James Baldwin, followed by lunch and free time to explore Shakespeare and Company bookshop. The evening includes a concert or event. Sunday morning is free for independent exploration of recommended museum exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI had a great weekend in Paris! We learned about African American writers and artists, did some museum visits and an awesome concert. The tour of St. Germain des Pr\u00e9s brought legends like Josephine Baker and Louis Armstrong to life, and the jazz in the evenings was the best part!.\u201d \u2013 Donjeta Sokoli<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cIt was great to be able to see Paris from that perspective &#8211; I learned so much !\u201d \u2013 H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Martin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cWe had a really interesting program. Everything was well organized, from our accommodation to our walking tour. We got to explore aspects of Paris that were completely unknown to us. Too bad it was for such a short stay though.\u201d \u2013 William Flores<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7260.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7260-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"img 7260\" class=\"wp-image-2643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7260-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7260-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7260-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7260-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7260.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Paris Study Trip 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7293.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7293-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"img 7293\" class=\"wp-image-2644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7293-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7293-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7293-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7293-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7293.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Paris Study Trip Lunch 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7314.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7314-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"img 7314\" class=\"wp-image-2645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7314-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7314-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7314-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7314-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_7314.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2024 Paris Study Trip Jazz Evening <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hemingway Society Conference<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hemingwaysociety.org\/2024\">Hemingway Society<\/a>&nbsp;holds biennial conferences in places significant to Ernest Hemingway, in both U.S. and international venues. The conferences feature scholarly and creative treatments of his life and work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Annual CUSO PhD Research Day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cuso.ch\/\">CUSO<\/a>&nbsp;is an institution established by the universities of French-speaking Switzerland, CUSO finances, coordinates and organizes joint doctoral activities on behalf of its members (Universities of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unifr.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fribourg<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unige.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Geneva<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unil.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lausanne<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unine.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Neuch\u00e2tel<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.graduateinstitute.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IHEID<\/a>), associate member (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.isdc.ch\/fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ISDC<\/a>) and partners (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unibe.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Berne<\/a>among others).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/cuso-flyer-human-humanism-202450_page_1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/cuso-flyer-human-humanism-202450_page_1-724x1024.jpg\" alt=\"cuso flyer (human &amp; humanism 2024)[50] page 1\" class=\"wp-image-2646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/cuso-flyer-human-humanism-202450_page_1-724x1024.jpg 724w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/cuso-flyer-human-humanism-202450_page_1-212x300.jpg 212w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/cuso-flyer-human-humanism-202450_page_1-768x1086.jpg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/cuso-flyer-human-humanism-202450_page_1.jpg 1059w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">cuso flyer 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ESSE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/essenglish.org\/\">European Society for the Study of English<\/a>&nbsp;is a federation of national higher educational&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/essenglish.org\/board\/\">associations<\/a>. The Society endeavours to reflect the cultural and geographical diversity of Europe in its institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The aim of the Society is to advance the education of the public by promoting the European study and understanding of English languages, literatures in English and cultures of English-speaking peoples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Society endeavours to arrange regular conferences for those researching and teaching English languages, literatures in English and cultures of English-speaking peoples in Europe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2024 European Society for the Study of English conference took place at the University of Lausanne, 26-30 August 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SANAS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sagw.ch\/sanas\/\">Swiss Association for North American Studies<\/a>&nbsp;provides a structure that facilitates contact among Swiss scholars interested in American Studies and allows them to be represented institutionally in the European Association for American Studies (EAAS). They organize biennial international conferences in even years, symposia in odd years, and an annual Spring Reading Group. SANAS regularly advertises two awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SAUTE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SAUTE, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saute.ch\/en\/saute\/\">Swiss Association of University Teachers of English<\/a>, regularly organizes conferences around Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>CURRICULUM HIGHLGHTS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>This program takes you beyond traditional approaches to explore the dynamic landscape of American culture, from gripping literature and captivating films to pivotal historical moments and the evolution of race relations that continue to shape the American nation today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Program overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This SPEC is designed to initiate you into the methodologies, key texts, and dominant concerns of contemporary American Studies, especially those known as the New American Studies, American Cultural Studies, and International American Studies. Unlike conventional programs, this transdisciplinary approach empowers you to merge together the diverse skills you&#8217;ve developed throughout your academic journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Curriculum approach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The introductory class combines cultural theory, historical narrative, textual and rhetorical analysis, and approaches to visual culture. You&#8217;ll examine how \u201cAmerica\u201d has functioned as a powerful cultural and historical force in the Western imagination since the modern era. You will learn how narratives, tropes and myths are studied in relation to a national or transnational culture critique, and explore basic issues in African American culture, feminism and queer studies, decolonization, multiculturalism and identity politics, and cultural theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this SPEC, you will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>deepen your understanding and knowledge of all sorts of texts belonging to American culture while focusing on its heterogeneity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>engage with Cultural Studies, especially on subjects such as race, ethnicity, class and gender;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>study America with regard to its transatlantic relations upon which literary theory and Cultural Studies are based (notably Queer theory, Postcolonialism, Poststructuralism, Neo-Marxism, and visual culture);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>analyze the global influence of American culture, for instance in film, music, literature, media and popular culture;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>become more autonomous in your research and to value interdisciplinary work;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prepare for professional work in any domain where American culture and\/or critical theory has had a major impact (e.g. cinema, media, music, festival planning, contemporary art).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Multilingual experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based in UNIL&#8217;s English Department, the \u201cNew American Studies\u201d program offers a unique multilingual experience. While English serves as your primary gateway, you&#8217;ll also engage with perspectives in French and Spanish\u2014reflecting the multicultural reality of American influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>M\u00c9MOIRE &amp; CAREER<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>M\u00e9moire &amp; after-UNIL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This program is ideal for students interested in developing a m\u00e9moire on American themes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of m\u00e9moire topics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cSilence and Loss: Racial Melancholia and Racial Dissociation in Charles Yu\u2019s\u00a0<em>Interior Chinatown<\/em>\u00a0and Ocean Vuong\u2019s\u00a0<em>T<\/em>ime is a Mother.\u2013 Donjeta Sokoli<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cThe Individual in Religious and Capitalist Ideology in American Literature.\u201d \u2013 Anonymous<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cMy m\u00e9moire was entitled &#8220;Sleeper Train Lovers: An Attempt at Writing Solarpunk Fiction in a Time of Monsters.&#8221; It is composed of a creative part, which invilved writing a short solarpunk novel, and a critical part, which analyzed the themes in my novel.\u201d \u2013 William Flores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cIt was on narratives of the future, and more specifically solarpunk and its relation to the ideology of progress\u201d \u2013 Anonymous<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cRedesigning Art History with The Simpsons: Parodic Pastiche as Postmodern Artistic Practice\u201d \u2013 Nayansaku Mufwankolo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cMy m\u00e9moire is called &#8220;Space, Women&#8217;s Marginalization, and Mestiza Consciousness in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie&#8217;s &#8220;Americanah&#8221; and Mohja Kahf&#8217;s &#8220;The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf&#8221;.&#8221; It focused on how these two writers, both of whom are migrant writers, use space in their novels to resist the racism and sexism they encounter inside and outside of their communities. It was a bit of a split as the two novels dealt with very different cultural contexts and are even set in different time periods. Yet, they are connected by their use of space.\u201d \u2013 Guy Da Costa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201c<em>Alice in Wonderland<\/em>&nbsp;&amp; Environmental Justice\u201d \u2013 Angela Neves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cRediscovering Nature through Fantasy Fiction A 21st Century Ecocritical Reading of J.R.R. Tolkien\u2019s&nbsp;<em>The Lord of the Rings<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Am\u00e9lie Bron<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201c&#8217;Cool Girls Never Get Angry&#8217; The Femme Fatale Archetype and its Critical Reception in Gillian Flynn\u2019s&nbsp;<em>Gone Girl<\/em>&nbsp;and its Adaptation&#8221; \u2013 Julie Bubloz<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cThe individual in religious and capitalist ideology in the fictions of Melville, Dos Passos and Gold. The idea was to try and understand how these two ideology worked in similar ways to submit individual agency. I started from the analysis of my texts and used theories from Althusser, Marx and others.\u201d \u2013 Anonymous<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-1-724x1024.jpg\" alt=\"untitled extract pages\" class=\"wp-image-2650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-1-724x1024.jpg 724w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-1-212x300.jpg 212w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-1-768x1086.jpg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-1.jpg 849w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">untitled extract pages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"729\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-729x1024.jpg\" alt=\"untitled extract pages\" class=\"wp-image-2649\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-729x1024.jpg 729w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-214x300.jpg 214w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages-768x1079.jpg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/untitled-extract-pages.jpg 854w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>NAS can also provide exciting career opportunities &#8211; from journalism to cultural institutions, teaching to doctoral studies:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI finished in 2022 and now work for the canton du Valais where I teach French to refugees\u201d \u2013 Anonymous<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI finished my studies in June 2024, and am now working as an assistant dipl\u00f4m\u00e9 in the German department\u201d \u2013 William Flores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI finished UNIL in January 2023, I taught French in Scotland for 6 months, did some substitute teaching and worked in a kindergarden and now I&#8217;m in the HEP.\u201d \u2013 Anonymous<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cFinished in 2019. I&#8217;m currently a lecturer in Cultural Studies and Critical Theory, and the Delegate of Diversity and Inclusion at the Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD Gen\u00e8ve). Aside I give workshop on intersectional violence and discriminations in cultural and associative institutions and I have a research-based art practice using poetry.\u201d \u2013 Nayansaku Mufwankolo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI finished in 2022 and I am an English teacher at the high school level.\u201d \u2013 Guy Da Costa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201c[I finished in] June 2022 [and I\u2019m] still a student (at HEP) to become an English teacher (middle school and high school levels)\u201d \u2013 Angela Neves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201c[I finished in] Jan 2024. I am doing a master&#8217;s degree in secondary education in Geneva and teach English part-time to teenagers (10e-11e Harmos) in Le Lignon (GE)\u201d \u2013 Am\u00e9lie Bron<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201c[I finished in] 2024, [and I\u2019m] Communications Intern for a contemporary photography festival\u201d \u2013 Julie Bubloz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"9\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>HOW TO APPLY<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you made your decision? If so, you should contact the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unil.ch\/lettres\/fr\/home\/menuguid\/etudiantes\/a-qui-sadresser.html\">D\u00e9canat<\/a>, as well as&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:Agnieszka.SoltysikMonnet@unil.ch\">Agnieszka Soltysik Monnet<\/a>(ANT 5133) and&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:Boris.Vejdovsky@unil.ch\">Boris Vejdovsky<\/a>&nbsp;(ANT 5120) by the end of the first year of your Master\u2019s, so that you can validate those credits before writing your m\u00e9moire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"10\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>TIPS FROM GRADUATES<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Before you go, have a look at the some of our graduates\u2019 tips!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI&#8217;d say, not to be afraid to ask questions and reach out to anyone you think might be helpful. Everyone here is eager to help and share their knowledge, so take advantage of that. Also, embrace the freedom to explore and write about anything that interests you. No one will judge you for your choices\u2014there are no bizarre topics or right perspectives. This is your chance to dig deep into what fascinates you, so go for it!\u201d \u2013 Donjeta Sokoli<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cTake the opportunity this SPEC offers if you want to know more about the American as a nation and as a global phenomenon\u201d \u2013 H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Martin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201c1. Try to go beyond what they teach you. While the classes will give you plenty, the real fun starts when you can use the tools you&#8217;ve learned in class in the context of your own interests. 2. Do the readings 3. Try to find niches that speak to you. No need to be limited by the syllabus.\u201d \u2013 Guy Da Costa<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cBe mindful of the classes you take in English: you might decide to do the SPEC later on and realize you\u2019ve already validated most of the plan d\u2019\u00e9tudes! It\u2019s not a problem per se but it does complicate your curriculum\u201d \u2013 Anonymous<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cI highly recommend this SPEC, and if you do take it, I&#8217;d recommend immersing yourself by not only reading the required reading, but also by reading\/watching optional literature\/movies. You might want to reserve an entire semester just for NAS. This might not be feasible for everyone, but if it is, go for it.\u201d \u2013 William Flores<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cEnjoy yourself, and be ready to possibly add a few semesters to your MA because writing that many essays is going to be time consuming if you&#8217;re a slow thinker like I am!\u201d \u2013 Anonymous<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cDo what you love while studying and hopefully, you can instill some of that into your professional project some day. Be ambitious, no topic is off-limits. You just gotta dig deep enough.\u201d \u2013 Angela Neves<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\" style=\"font-size:14px\">\u201cThe topic of my M\u00e9moire really influenced the courses I selected and the way I reflected on them. That said, even if you don\u2019t know what you want to work on or write about before enrolling in the SPEC, the variety of topics addressed in the lectures gives you a lot to think about and opens up your critical perspective. With the SPEC, you will discover new ways of thinking that you might not encounter in the standard MA program. As well as being really thought-provoking, the SPEC gives you a lot of freedom in how you address topics for validations. For this reason, I\u2019d recommend students to be curious and creative with their projects (essays, presentations, colloque).\u201d \u2013 Am\u00e9lie Bron<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_4382.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_4382-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"img 4382\" class=\"wp-image-2670\" style=\"width:395px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_4382-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_4382-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/files\/2025\/08\/img_4382.jpeg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LOS ANGELES 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New American Studies (NAS) is a dynamic specialization at UNIL that explores contemporary American culture through literature, theory, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Whether your passion lies in social justice, film, or literature, this program offers tools to critically engage with the world\u2019s most influential cultural \u2018powerhouse.\u2019 This program is also ideal for anyone wishing to learn &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/new-american-studies-spec\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;New American Studies SPEC&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2535","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2535","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2535"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2535\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2672,"href":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2535\/revisions\/2672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.unil.ch\/agnieszkasoltysikmonnet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2535"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}