The Dina G. Malgeri Modern American Society and Culture Seminar focuses on the study of "modern" America from its inception in the nineteenth century to the opening decades of the twenty-first century. This wide chronological expanse offers scholars an opportunity to delve into key issues in American society, such as race, ethnicity, and global migration, as well as the role of the suburbs, the exurbs, and the importance of nationhood, citizenship, identifications, and more. The seminars examine what constitutes a society or culture and what divides it, from the Civil Rights era to the Gilded Age to the cyberworld.

These sessions bring together a diverse group of scholars and interested members of the public to workshop a pre-circulated paper. After brief remarks from the author and an assigned commentator, the discussion is opened to the floor. All are encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback on the circulated essay, and discuss the topic at hand. Our sessions are free and open to everyone.

How to Attend: Register through our Calendar of Events and you will receive the session's discussion paper the day before the seminar by email.

Subscribe: Purchasing a $25 seminar subscription gives you special advanced access to the seminar papers of all seven seminar series for the current academic year. Subscribe here.

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Call for Proposals!

Deadline: May 1, 2025

We are currently accepting proposals for the 2025-2026 seminar season. For more information, see the Call for Proposals.