How do theories, methods, and scholarly practices shape major research
projects currently underway in American Studies? In twenty original
essays, the contributors to 'Projecting American Studies' interrogate
their ongoing work in various interdisciplinary contexts, shedding light
on contemporary Americanist practices, styles, and publics. In keeping
with the original meaning of the French term 'essai', each contribution
is a try, an attempt, an experiment: Several chapters employ a personal
tone, others distill their arguments into condensed prose, some use
non-linear formats. All contributors openly reflect on the future of
American Studies in its interchange with Literary, Cultural, and Media
Studies as well as with History and Political Science. Going beyond the
rhetoric of "turns" and paradigm shifts, 'Projecting American Studies'
aims to replace perennial appeals to do things differently with
sustainable ideas for how to do things better.