Why Iowa?

Explore how American institutions, values, gender and ethnic relations, artifacts, popular and fine arts, and everyday life have developed over time to define what we know as America.

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Critically examine the complex connections between past and present culture and history to understand the impact people have on American society.

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Prepare for a wide range of careers in the arts, education, and public service through interdisciplinary inquiry into the central role power and struggle have played in American culture.

News and announcements

Elizabeth Rodriguez Fielder receives funding to continue research and writing her manuscript

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Elizabeth Rodriguez Fielder is an assistant professor in the Department of English and in the Latinx Studies Program. She is a scholar of the 20th and 21st century transnational American literature and culture. She will continue research and writing her manuscript Corporis Fabrica: Encountering the Body through the Book, which seeks out the relationship between the development of anatomy science and moveable books. Rodriguez Fielder argues that their interconnected history has shaped how we understand our bodies.

Jose Fernandez receive funding to pursue summer research projects

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Jose Fernandez is an assistant professor in the Latinx Studies program. Fernandez’s research interests include American, African American, and Latinx literary histories, Black and Latinx literatures after the 1960s; Latinx intellectual history; and Mexican American literature of the Borderlands. He will conduct archival research at three university library collections in California: the Tomas Rivera Papers at UC-Riverside, the Helena Maria Viramonted Papers at UC-Santa Barbara, and the Norma Alarcon Papers at the Bancroft Library at UC-Berkeley. This work will contribute to a book, A Publisher’s Revolution: Arte Publico Press and the Making of Latinx Literature.

Latina/o/x Studies faculty Jorge Guerra recognized with Distinguished Educator & Service Award

Monday, April 28, 2025
Professor Jorge Guerra has been recognized by the Division of Student Life MISSE program with a Distinguished Educator & Service Award!

Events

Special Topics in Politics - Strategizing and Leading Campaigns & Political Movements promotional image

Special Topics in Politics - Strategizing and Leading Campaigns & Political Movements

Monday, September 15, 2025 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Schaeffer Hall
Introduction to the world of political campaigns and movement building. Learn the fundamentals of campaign roles, messaging, field and digital strategy, and mechanics of fundraising and GOTV. Whether exploring a career in politics or aiming to drive change from the ground up, this class will equip you with the tools and perspective to make an impact.
Special Topics in Politics - Strategizing and Leading Campaigns & Political Movements promotional image

Special Topics in Politics - Strategizing and Leading Campaigns & Political Movements

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Schaeffer Hall
Introduction to the world of political campaigns and movement building. Learn the fundamentals of campaign roles, messaging, field and digital strategy, and mechanics of fundraising and GOTV. Whether exploring a career in politics or aiming to drive change from the ground up, this class will equip you with the tools and perspective to make an impact.
Special Topics in Politics - Strategizing and Leading Campaigns & Political Movements promotional image

Special Topics in Politics - Strategizing and Leading Campaigns & Political Movements

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Schaeffer Hall
Introduction to the world of political campaigns and movement building. Learn the fundamentals of campaign roles, messaging, field and digital strategy, and mechanics of fundraising and GOTV. Whether exploring a career in politics or aiming to drive change from the ground up, this class will equip you with the tools and perspective to make an impact.
Special Topics in Politics - Strategizing and Leading Campaigns & Political Movements promotional image

Special Topics in Politics - Strategizing and Leading Campaigns & Political Movements

Thursday, September 18, 2025 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Schaeffer Hall
Introduction to the world of political campaigns and movement building. Learn the fundamentals of campaign roles, messaging, field and digital strategy, and mechanics of fundraising and GOTV. Whether exploring a career in politics or aiming to drive change from the ground up, this class will equip you with the tools and perspective to make an impact.
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