History & Mission

The Irish Association for American Studies (IAAS) is an association founded in the early 1970s to promote American Studies in Ireland. It operates on a thirty-two county basis. Part of our work includes the production of the annual Journal of American Studies and the organisation of conferences in Spring and Winter each year.

The history of the IAAS is marked by the influence of history and literature departments. While maintaining this core and key element in our membership, the Association is eager to broaden this base, amd to promote the interdisciplinary and integrated study of American cultures.

The IAAS is affiliated to the European Association of American Studies, and has contributed to it substantially over the years. The IAAS intends to host the 2010 Biennial Conference of the European Association of American Studies at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin (in association with The Clinton Institute of American Studies at University College Dublin). This conference is the largest gathering of Americanists outside of the United States, and will offer us the opportunity to map American Studies in Ireland confidently and productively into an international context.  Go to http://www.eaasdublin2010.com/eaas/ to view the draft programme.

The IAAS is entering a very exciting phase of development. We want to develop our interest for the benefit of teachers, students and, indeed, the general public, and to create the resources here to achieve the fullest sense of community for those interested in American Studies. Part of our commitment to students includes a postgraduate caucus, a postgraduate session at the annual conference, and the publication of articles by postgraduates in most editions of the Journal. Approaches from second-level institutions are also welcome. To find out more about the research activities and interests of some of our membership, please visit the Members section.