Gallatin Americas Scholars

The Americas Scholars brings together high achieving students at Gallatin who are interested in matters related to the Americas—understood  quite broadly to include the U.S., other parts of North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.  Americas Scholars members partipicate in academic seminars and cultural activities with Gallatin faculty members.

Group Meetings and Activities

Throughout the academic year, Americas Scholars explore a particular theme through bi-weekly evening meetings.  The majority of Americas Scholars activities will take place during this time, although some activities such as dinners and performances may occur at other times.  

Examples of Americas Scholars activities:

• Attending lectures and readings on topics related to the Americas
  
• Visits to museums, dance performances, musical performances, and other cultural events
• Independent research and collaborative group projects

International and Domestic Travel

The Americas Scholars investigate their yearly theme by traveling as a group during January to an international or domestic location. Group members prepare a project based on their explorations and share it with the Gallatin community. The theme for 2013-14 is still under consideration.

Examples of past travel locations and themes:

• Cuba: "The Effects of Economic Embargo"
• Hawaii: "Colonialism and Indigeneity"
• New Orleans: "The Social Production of Natural Disaster"
• Brazil: "Consumerism"
  

Selection Process

Selection for the Americas Scholars is based on the student's academic record at Gallatin and demonstrated interest in the Americas through academic and extra-curricular pursuits.  Suitable candidates are invited to apply during the end of the spring semester.

Requirements for the Americas Scholars:

• Scholars must register for the zero-credit/non-graded Americas Scholars seminar, which meets approximately every other week on Wednesday at 6:30pm.
• Scholars must earn a minimum semester GPA of 3.5 during each term of membership.
• Scholars are expected to contribute a small co-pay toward the cost of travel. Special provisions such as payment plans are available if financial circumstances warrant.