The German Association for American Studies (GAAS) is an academic non-profit organization. Our goal is to “support American Studies in Germany on an academic basis and to contribute to the consolidation of academic and cultural relations between Germany and the United States” (Statutes, Article 2, paragraph 1). Since its foundation in 1953, the membership of the GAAS has increased to approximately 1000 active members. Through these members, the GAAS is represented in practically all university departments and academic institutions dealing with American Studies.
The GAAS is a member of the umbrella organization European Association for American Studies (EAAS) and is closely related to the American Studies Association. According to the idea of supporting American Studies, the GAAS organizes academic conferences once a year, traditionally after Pentecost, at changing locations. These conferences are organized in cooperation with a local organizer and offer the setting for both our annual conference and a variety of lectures and workshops, which are in part conducted by renowned guest speakers. In addition, several group conferences (meeting of historians and political science scholars, postqraduate forum) and a number of symposia are organized every year.
A special focal point of the GAAS is the support of young scholars. Our longstanding cooperation with the Fulbright Commission in terms of postdoctoral fellowships is part of this endeavor. Another example of the GAAS’s successful commitment to the support of a new generation of academics is our Postgraduate Forum (PGF).
With the journal Amerikastudien/American Studies, the GAAS has created an important academic periodical. In this quarterly, both noted scholars and young academics from all areas of American Studies publish their research results. In addition, the journal offers reviews of recently published monographs and a forum dealing with current information concerning American Studies as well as Calls for Papers. The GAAS is also responsible for the publication of the series American Studies – A Monograph Series. ‘
Next to our conferences, our annually published Information Booklet (Mitteilungsblatt) is the most important source of information for all members. In addition to news from the GAAS, the Information Booklet offers a comprehensive list of unpublished and current research projects and also a directory listing all university departments, instructors, and classes dealing with American Studies. The booklet also contains information on conferences and fellowship programs.
If you are lnterested in becoming a member of the GAAS, you are welcome to contact our executive board. Membership is open to everyone “connected to the tasks and goals of the associatlon” (Statutes, Article 3). Academic standing or a certain nationality or professional position are not required. Since the GAAS’ is recognized as a non-profit organization, membership fees and donations are tax deductible.
We thank you for your interest in our work and hope to welcome you as a member soon!