1. La Recherche en Lettres, Langues,
Sciences Humaines et Sciences Sociales
aux Etats-Unis
Tristan Cabello, PhD
Director of American Studies
American University
Washington, DC

2. C.V.
CPGE, GDLT, Metz.
License, Université Marc Bloch, Strasbourg
Lecteur, Kalamazoo College
Maitrise, Université Marc Bloch, Strasbourg
Lecteur, University of Chicago
Lecteur University of Chicago
DEA, Université Paul Verlaine, Metz
Doctorat, Northwestern University
Post-Doc, Andrew Mellon Foundation
Lecturer, American University
Director, American Universty

3. Research and Teaching
US History, African American Studies, Gender Studies, LGBT Studies, Pop Culture Studies
Teaching:
Washington, DC; Explore Washington DC’s Music Scene, Global Hip Hop, Global Icons, The Global Cultures of Michael Jackson, In The Life, Black Queer Culture and History, AIDS in America.
Research:
Queer Bronzeville: Race, Sexuality and Culture in Black Chicago,
The Black Politics of Michael Jackson

4. The American Studies Program at American University

5. American Studies at American University
20 Professors (Tenure-track, Lecturers, Adjuncts)
120 Majors, Minors, Graduate Certificates
500 Students in our courses every semester
Research
African American Studies, American Studies, Global Studies, Gender Studies, Food Studies, Media Studies.   
Teaching
Black to the Future, Black Love, The Shonda Rimes Experience, Politics and TV Series, The Hunger Games, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Black Queer Politics.

6. Research in American Studies

7. Graduate Education in the US vs. France
France: No coursework, no exams, three-year limit, “thèse.”
US: two-year coursework, one-year “comps,” no time limit, dissertation, book project, and professionalization.

8. How to choose a Graduate School
Prestige (Tier system)
Rank (Princeton Review)
Advisor
Funding (6-year guaranteed)
Placement (Academia)

9. Example « Northwestern University»
Prestige (#9 Princeton Review)
Rank (#1 African American History)
Advisor (Yale PhD, Full Professor, Bancroft)
Funding ($30,000/year, summer funding, 5 years guaranteed, Teaching Experience, Tuition Remission, Health Insurance, Activity Fee)
Placement: All alumni had tenure-track jobs, multi-year lectureships, or alt-ac upon graduation

10. PhD Applications/Timeline
Applications are due in December/January
Admission packages are mailed in February
Interviews are scheduled in March
Rejection letters are mailed in April

11. Letters of Recommendation
PhD Applications CV
Transcripts
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample
Letters of Recommendation
GRE
TOEFL
Application Fee ($30-$120)

12. PhD Timeline Year #1: Coursework, one major research project, Masters
Year #1: Coursework, one major research project, Masters
Year #2: Coursework, one major research project
Year #3: “Comps,” “Dissertation Proposal Defense.”
Year #4: Research (External Funding)
Year #5: Research and Writing
Year #6: Writing, Defense, and Job Applications

13. International Students
Student Visa (F1 or J1)
Optional Practical Training
HB1
Permanent Residency

14. Placement
Higher Education (Tenure-Track, Lecturers, Adjuncts, Administrators)
Secondary Education (Private Schools, College-Prep)
Public Humanities (Museums, Digital Humanities, Public Intellectuals)
Publishing
Think Tanks
Alt-Ac