Welcome to the Obama Institute
for Transnational American Studies!

The Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz offers a dynamic and wide-ranging program in both research and teaching for all students interested in topics related to the Americas in a global context.

With a special focus on interculturality, transnationalism, and interdisciplinarity, our expertise lies in the fields of Early American Studies, Indigenous Studies, Life Writing/Life Sciences, Political & Intellectual History, Film & Media Studies, Religion and American Culture, and Materiality.

Contact

Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies
University of Mainz
Jakob-Welder-Weg 20
55128 Mainz
Germany
+49 6131 39-22357
+49 6131 39-29097
Email

Nov 9-10 – Workshop Series on U.S. Urban History and Urban Studies with Professor Alan Lessoff 🗓

Workshop Series U.S. Urban History and Urban Studies Nov 9-10, 2026 Workshop SessionNov 9, 4-6 pm, 02.102 (Philo II, Jakob-Welder-Weg 20)This workshop session will endeavor to place U.S. arguments over urban sprawl within transnational trends in and debates over urban...

Direct Exchange – Info Sessions 2026 for Programs in 2027/28 🗓

On Nov 10 the Obama Institute will hold an info session on its Direct Exchange programs. Please join us in room P 2 (Philosophicum) for more information about the exciting exchange opportunities! Nov 10, 18:00-19:30P 2 (Philosophicum) Please find all details about the...

Nov 4 – Welcome Event/Get-Together for (International) Master Students 🗓

Are you...currently enrolled in the American Studies MA program and would like to connect with other students in a relaxed environment? Do you...have questions regarding the Obama Institute, the JGU or just life in Germany in general? Then come to our get-together on...

Oct 26 – Welcome Event for First-Year American Studies Students (B.A. AmSt/B.Ed. English) 🗓

Are you a Bachelor student starting your American Studies degree at JGU? Then you’re welcome to join us for an orientation meeting and a cup of coffee or tea. No matter if American Studies is your major or your minor, this event is an opportunity for you to connect...

Oct 12 – A Conversation With: Josephine Links – Director and Author of WE ALL BLEED RED 🗓

A Conversation With: Josephine Links – Director and Author of We All Bleed Red (2024) Oct 12, 2026, 2 pm, room 00.212 (Philo II, Jakob-Welder-Weg 20) In her documentary We All Bleed Red (2024), Josephine Links takes us behind the work of photographer Martin Schoeller,...

July 16 – Workshop: Supreme Court Amendments and Evangelicals 🗓

Workshop Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies Supreme Court Amendments and Evangelicals July 16, 2026 2-4 p.m. Obama Institute conference room (02.102) Philo II, Jakob-Welder-Weg 20 Please join us for our Workshop on Supreme Court Amendments and...