American Studies Association: Difference between revisions

| leader_name2 = Scott Kurashige

The '''American Studies Association''' ('''ASA''') is a scholarly organization devoted to the interdisciplinary study of [[American culture|U.S. culture]] and [[American history|history]]. It was founded in 1951 and claims to be the oldest scholarly organization devoted to these topics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theasa.net/about/history |title=ASA History |author=American Studies Association |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref> It is the oldest scholarly organization devoted to the interdisciplinary study of [[American culture|U.S. culture]] and [[American history|history]]. The ASA works to promote meaningful dialogue about the [[United States|U.S. of America]], throughout the U.S. and across the globe. Its purpose is to support scholars and scholarship committed to original research, innovative and effective teaching, critical thinking, and public discussion and debate.

[[American Studiesstudies]] departments, programs, and centers exist around the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zXNCShnM1e4w.kKZtStLIYhHw |title=Cartographies of American Studies |author=Mark Rice |access-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref>

The annual ASA meeting features speakers and workshops connected to a broad theme important to the field. The upcoming 20192022 meeting will be held from November 3-6 in [[HonoluluNew Orleans]], [[HawaiiLouisiana]] under the theme of "BuildThe AsRoof Weis Fighton Fire."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theasa.net/annual-meeting/years-meeting |title=This Year's Meeting |author=American Studies Association |year=2018 |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref> Recent meetings have been held in [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]]; [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], [[Puerto Rico]]; [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]]; [[Atlanta, Georgia]]; [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]; [[Denver]], [[Colorado]]; [[Toronto]], [[Canada]]; [[Los Angeles]], [[California]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/annual-meeting/ |title=Annual Meeting |author=American Studies Association |year=2017 |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref> Subsequent meetings are scheduled for November 12–15, 2020 in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]] and October 7–10, 2021 in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], [[Puerto Rico]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theasa.net/annual-meeting/about-meeting/future-annual-meetings |title=Future Annual Meetings |author=American Studies Association |year=2019 |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref>

In December 2013, members of ASA voted to join the [[Academic boycott of Israel|boycott of all Israeli educational institutions]].<ref name=ASA_December2013_announcement>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/from_the_editors/item/asa_members_vote_to_endorse_academic_boycott/ |title=ASA Members Vote to Endorse Academic Boycott |author=American Studies Association |date=December 16, 2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> It was the first time a major American scholarly organization to undertake a boycott of Israel.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}} ASA was strongly criticized and four ASA members, aided by the pro-Israeli [[Brandeis Center]], even sued the organization. As of 2020, the boycott is ongoing.<ref name="asa2020sep13">{{cite web | title=What Does the Boycott Mean? | website=ASA | url=https://www.theasa.net/what-does-boycott-mean | access-date=September 13, 2020}}</ref>