Developing research and teaching on American Studies within the network of universities in Vietnam.

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.
Developing a network for research and teaching of American Studies in Vietnam.
The training course attracted 40 students from the 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.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.     Another important part of the training program for lecturers was the information sharing and discussion session on the current state of teaching and research on American Studies at various levels of the curriculum, such as at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi, Hue University of Foreign Languages ​​- Hue University, University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Ho Chi Minh City, the Diplomatic Academy, etc. However, the common form of teaching American Studies in universities today is through integration into related courses or specialized courses focusing on a specific aspect of American Studies. Therefore, through this information sharing session, along with the discussion sessions, the participants gained an overview and clearly recognized the need for upgrading and the potential for forming an effective network for teaching and research on American Studies at universities in Vietnam.
The introduction of the eLibraryUSA open resource suite and the RELO program helps Vietnamese faculty access a wealth of academic data including reputable US journals, documentaries, theses, and monographs – a key factor in improving the quality of research and teaching in the context of globalization.
It holds special significance in the context of 30 years of Vietnam-US relations.
The 2025 American Studies activities series, held at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, included two training courses and took place against the backdrop of Vietnam-US relations entering a new phase with the upgrading to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
Associate Professor Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, stated that over the years, faculty and students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities have researched the history, society, culture, and foreign policy of the United States, as well as the developing relationship between Vietnam and the United States. She also emphasized that the support of the U.S. Embassy has played a crucial role in this process, through academic grants, visiting lecturers, teaching resources, and diverse exchange programs. Over the past three decades, educational cooperation has consistently been a highlight in bilateral relations, with tens of thousands of Vietnamese students studying in the United States and an increasing number of academic exchange programs, joint research, and collaborative training between educational institutions in both countries.
The 2025 training program is of significant importance, helping to strengthen the foundation of mutual understanding between the two countries and enhance research and teaching capacity in American Studies in Vietnam. Through direct interaction with American professors, Vietnamese students and lecturers have the opportunity to access diverse and up-to-date perspectives on American society, politics, and culture – factors that directly impact Vietnam-US relations in the present and future. In particular, the training program has broadened academic cooperation – a crucial pillar of Vietnam-US relations. Academic exchange, data sharing, and research collaboration serve as a sustainable bridge between the two countries, contributing to increased understanding and trust. Representing the U.S. Embassy, ​​Ms. Mary Beth Polley, Cultural and Information Counselor, welcomed the efforts of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in organizing the workshop and emphasized that the training course, with the participation of reputable scientists in Vietnam and universities around the world, will contribute to strengthening the comprehensive strategic relationship between Vietnam and the United States.
As a leading institution in social sciences and humanities, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has established 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 history, culture, international relations, political science, journalism and media, and regional studies, the University is not only a leading training and research center but also an important policy advisory body. Through organizing a series of activities in 2025, VNU-USSH once again affirms its pioneering role in promoting international academic exchange, attracting US experts, and creating an open academic environment for students and faculty.
These activities not only enrich the scientific life of the University but also contribute to the deeper integration of Vietnamese social sciences with the region and the world, making a practical contribution to the sustainable development of Vietnam-US relations.

Here are some photos from the American Studies training course at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities: