American Studies Association Kyrgyzstan 9th Annual Symposium

The 9th Annual American Studies Symposium in Central Asia 20th Anniversary of Kyrgyz-American Diplomatic Relations: Evolution and Current State of American Studies May 18-20, 2012 Diplomatic academy, Bishkek The American Studies Symposium gathers hundreds of experts working in the field of American Studies in Central Asian higher educational institutions. American studies are the interdisciplinary field: it covers issues of politics, culture, economics, language, and ethnicity studies. As evidenced by the steadily growing number of American Studies programs and organizations, alongside the growing number of local scholars and students in the field, there seems to be an increasing interest in American Studies. The American Studies Association of Kyrgyzstan in collaboration with Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites those concerned with American Studies, such as teachers, researchers and students associated with American Studies programs in universities, colleges and secondary schools; museum directors and librarians interested in all segments of American life; public officials and administrators concerned with the broadest aspects of education and those interested in the field to enhance such dialogue and discourse through its annual symposium. The Symposium also serves as a platform for experts to share their experiences in curriculum and syllabus development, critical thinking, teaching methodologies as related to American Studies as well as to discuss genesis, current development and prospects of American Studies as a new academic discipline in Central Asia. The goal of this year’s Symposium is: 1) to enhance educational, cultural and diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and U.S 2) to analyze challenges and perspectives of teaching American Studies in Central Asia; 3) to exchange ideas and cultural experiences pertaining to the said program or discipline 4) to discuss effective strategies and new methods of teaching in the field of American Studies. Registration Fee is 200 KGS.