The School of American and International Studies aims to create a holistic educational experience that enables our students to become literate, intentional and empowered global citizens who are prepared, not only in specific recognized fields, but also in interdisciplinary dialogue. Through our varied offerings (in Anthropology, American Studies, Foreign Languages, History, International Studies, Literature, Political Science, Liberal Studies, and Philosophy), we seek to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the complex cultural, political, and imaginative dimensions of human existence.
Our teaching, service, and scholarly or creative achievement combine to help our students develop their powers of reasoning, speaking, writing, and creativity, thus equipping them for the challenges of contemporary life. The School’s faculty members are dedicated to teaching and scholarship, have traveled extensively and studied abroad, and have backgrounds in foreign languages, humanities, and social sciences. A program of visiting professors from around the globe, including China, Italy, the Arab World, France, and Russia, enhances the international component of the School.
The School of American and International Studies (AIS) is dedicated to providing a liberal arts education that begins in the classroom and progresses into experiential and lifelong learning. The undergraduate program consists of several majors, minors, and concentrations (i.e., Anthropology, American Studies, Spanish Language Studies, History, International Studies, French Studies, Italian Studies, Literature, Political Science, Spanish Literature, Creative Writing, and Liberal Studies), and a world languages program through which students learn and appreciate the complex cultural, political, economic, environmental, and social dimensions of the world in which they live. A synthesis of these components of a liberal arts education gives our students the intellectual and practical foundation that will make them better thinkers and give them a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing global economy. The broad education they receive prepares them for graduate and professional study and for a rich diversity of careers and life experiences.
Since its creation in the 1970s thousands of students have graduated from AIS and have pursued successful careers in law, consulting, research, management, journalism, advertising, public relations, publishing, community organizing, international agencies, public interest advocacy, elementary and secondary school teaching, entrepreneurship, and university and college professorship.
AIS also has a graduate program--a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS). Using an interdisciplinary approach, this program is designed to explore and study ideas, experiences, and encounters that have influenced the modern world and enhance appreciation of historical and cultural circumstances that have conditioned our civilization.
Both of these programs are supplemented with a strong, multi-faceted co-curriculum. Our Center for the Study of Holocaust and Genocide, Colloquium Series, Visiting Writers and Poets, Film Series, and student clubs and associations provide numerous opportunities for students to engage in debate and dialogue on historical and contemporary issues in culture, literature, international relations, economics, and politics.
The AIS faculty has a deep commitment to academic excellence and intellectual rigor. They are one of the most productive, cross-cultural and international faculty assembled anywhere. More than a quarter were born, raised and educated abroad, and more than 60% speak at least one world language other than their primary languages. They regularly make significant contributions to the intellectual life of the community. Every month several events – ranging from poetry readings to documentaries, lectures, debates and discussions on critical issues – are organized and presented by the AIS faculty as a service to the entire college community.
Looking back, the 2008-09 academic year was an exciting and productive year. Our school graduated 158 undergraduate and 9 graduate students, implemented a language requirement with two proficiency-testing mechanisms, developed study abroad opportunities in Russian and Spain, approved the Liberal Studies contract major, established an Alumni Advisory Board, developed a Creative Writing Minor proposal, organized a World Languages and Cultures Symposium, and welcomed five new full-time faculty members (two in History and one in Political Science, College English/Writing, and International Studies, each) and six visiting teaching assistants from abroad.
The next two years promise to be just as productive and exciting as we welcome two new faculty members and five visiting teaching assistants from five different countries, prepare for approval of a new Creative Writing minor and an interdisciplinary “Disability Studies” concentration, offer new courses in American Sign Language, and organize several symposia, poetry readings, lectures, and workshops. Please see AIS website for details of upcoming events such as the poetry reading by three-time U.S. Poet Laureate, Robert Pinsky, and a symposium on “Latinoization of the Americas.”
Finally, a personal note. I realize the value of education and its potential to change lives because of its impact on my own life. I was born in what was then a very small farming village in central Iran. When I was young, my family moved to a city where I was able to pursue an education. I became the first from my family, and the village, to go to school, then to college, and eventually to a foreign country. My goal was to pursue graduate studies in the United States and seek a career in higher education. The challenges I faced here-- the culture shock, language barrier, absence of family support, immigration issues, and financial problems—did not in any way weaken my resolve. I attained my goals in the 1970s and since then, have served four universities in the U.S. and abroad, as a professor and an academic leader.
I came to Ramapo for the same reasons that probably bring all of you here. These include: student-centered learning; small classes; an outstanding faculty; a caring and considerate staff; strong commitments to the liberal arts, integration of theory and practice, cross-cultural learning, international education, interdisciplinary study, and participatory governance, diversity, community service, and progressive social change. Therefore, at Ramapo you have an excellent opportunity to expand and enrich your knowledge of any field that you choose, to become a well-informed citizen, to learn how to distinguish fact from fiction, to successfully meet the challenges you will face in life, and to gain the tools by which you can make your dreams come true.
I look forward to meeting our new and continuing students. Please stop by my office (B225), or call (201.684.7407/7562), or e-mail me (hnejad@ramapo.edu) for feedback, consultation, and input. You will find the faculty and staff of AIS equally ready and accessible to assist you in meeting your educational goals.
Hassan M. Nejad, Ph.D. Dean, School of American and International Studies
Professor of Political Science and International Studies
E-mail: hnejad@ramapo.edu
School of American and International Studies Contact Information:
Office: B213
Hours: Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (201) 684-7406
Fax: (201) 684-7973
