The American Studies Seminar was first established in 1995 and thus is already nearing its fourteenth anniversary. Organized annually and jointly by the Institute of International Relations, the American College of Greece (Deree College) and the United States Embassy, the seminar affords a comprehensive picture of the United States through the examination of domestic trends and events that have influenced American society.

The two-week seminar consists of lectures, films and panel discussions and takes place every spring at the Downtown campus amphitheatre. It is designed for college seniors, graduate students, teachers, diplomats, journalists, businesspersons and other professionals. The seminar features distinguished speakers from the academic, diplomatic and business communities, who make presentations on a wide range of topics relevant to both Greece and the United States. Attendance is free of charge, and Deree students receive two credits upon successful completion of the seminar, making it the equivalent of a College course.

Over the years, the seminar has focused on such issues as the emergence of United States as a world power, the outbreak of the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and problems arising from increased competition with Japan and the European Union.

The American Studies Seminar has proven to be extremely successful by any number of criteria. Attended by participants from many countries, it has developed into a forum for lively discussion and the energetic exchange of ideas. Academics and diplomats alike agree that this will increase dialogue and understanding between Greece and the United States and facilitate an informed discussion of important international issues at all levels of Greek society.

Thematic areas of the American Studies Seminar:

12-16/4/2010
Global Challenges for the Younger Generation
30/3-10/4/2009
Remembering the '60s
26/3-7/4/2008
American Politics at a Crossroads: Roosevelt, Reagan and the 2008 Presidential Election
2-15/5/2007
Cycles of Change in US Politics and Culture
11-25/4/2006
The Transformation of American Politics, Policy and Society: 1960-2005
11-25/4/2005
The Transformation of American Politics, Policy and Culture
22/3-5/4/2004
The Media in a National and Global Context
6-17/10/2003
The Rule of Law at Home and Abroad
26/3-9/4/2002
Facing the global challenge
26/3-9/4/2001
What We Know Now: Greek & American Perspectives on the Cold War and its Aftermath
14-21/4/2000
In Pursuit of the Millenium: Greece, Europe and USA
22-24/3 and 29/3-6/4/1999
Towards the Year 2000: Creating a Civil Society
30/3-10/4/1998
On the Migration of Peoples, Capital and Cultures
31/3-11/4/1997
On the American City
26/3-9/4/1996
The American Elections of 1948, 1968, 1996
27/3-14/4/1995
The USA after World War II: 1945-1995