American Studies and History Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Designed for those interested in the examination of American history and historical studies, this course is located in a department with interdisciplinary strengths that allow for creative approaches to American history.

History is the study of change and continuity over time. In examining the American past, the Department of American and Canadian Studies has strengths in American social, cultural, and political history, including diplomatic history and intellectual history. The department’s strengths also include expertise in race, gender, and sexuality.

Our work reflects and leads a growing transnational agenda and research students are encouraged to think about America in a global context. We have long-standing experience and expertise in supervising PhDs to successful completion.

Particular areas of research specialism include:


• African American culture and history



• American intellectual history



• American labour history



• American music and popular culture



• American political history



• American print culture and book history



• Border studies and transnational history



• Civil rights and social justice



• Crime, prisons and criminal justice



• Gender and queer studies



• History of feminism and women’s social history



• History of U.S. psychiatry



• Indigenous culture



• Latinx culture



• Memory studies



• Nineteenth-century American literature and culture



• US foreign policy and diplomatic history