The Institute on American Civilization provides a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly-motivated foreign university faculty and scholars with a deeper understanding of U.S. society and culture, past and present. While the Institute examines some of the critical historical epochs, movements, issues and conflicts that have influenced the development of the nation and its people, it also includes a strong contemporary component, particularly current political, social, and economic issues and debates. The complexity and heterogeneous nature of American society are highlighted, as are the institutions and values that enable the nation to accommodate that diversity. The Institute is designed to assist faculty who are attempting to develop or enhance courses focusing on the United States; it draws from a diverse disciplinary base and provides a model of how a foreign university might approach the study of the United States.

• The current Institute is hosted by: New York University