Over the two days of December 5-6, 2025, VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities organized two intensive training courses on American Studies for students, lecturers, and researchers from nearly 20 universities across the country currently teaching and researching on the United States.
This activity is a continuation of the "Exploring America 250" competition, part of the 2025 American Studies program series, aimed at celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States, as well as commemorating 80 years of tradition and 30 years of development of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
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The training course attracted 40 students from VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Three speakers from universities in the United States presented and opened in-depth and open discussions on: the political and economic development of the United States over 250 years by Dr. Philip Habel, partisan polarization on contemporary American issues by Professor Tatishe Nteta, and the complexity of contemporary American society and culture by Professor John Kinder. The presentations received enthusiastic responses from students and faculty members attending the class due to the up-to-date information and the novelty in the way the issues were presented. The lectures also encouraged active interaction between the students and American scholars on political, social, cultural, and life-changing aspects of American society. For the instructors attending the course, the diverse expertise of the participants contributed to lively, highly practical, and multifaceted discussions.
Students participating in the 2025 American Studies training program expressed enthusiasm and highly appreciated the academic value it provided. Many commented that learning directly from American professors was a great opportunity, helping to broaden their perspectives on American history, politics, culture, and society through multifaceted analyses, data, maps, and vivid examples.
The students learned many important skills such as presentation, academic communication, critical thinking, and methods for accessing scientific literature. The visit to the American Center and the introduction to eLibraryUSA – RELO was considered a valuable opportunity to access a world-class resource library for research and study in the field of American Studies.
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During the faculty training session, American scholars engaged in group and open discussions with participating faculty members on issues related to classroom organization, course content development, and appropriate assessment strategies. Notably, speakers and participants agreed that while the fields of study differ, developing American Studies courses for institutions specializing in international studies, politics, business and international trade, English, literature, and media, despite their differences, share a common need for flexibility in content development to suit the context, learner capabilities, objectives, and core values, especially in today's rapidly changing environment.
As a leading training institution in social sciences and humanities, VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities has built a foundation for research and training in American Studies since 2003 and continues to play a central role in this field in Vietnam. With strengths in the fields of history, culture, international relations, political science, journalism - communication and regional studies, the School is not only a leading training and research center but also an important policy consulting unit.
