American Studies Blog (2014-2023)

The American Studies Blog (ASB), which initially went online in September 2014, has completed its ninth year with an estimated distribution of three to four blog posts per month. From the very beginning, the blog reached out across the globe, informing both young and old, teachers and students, academics and general members of the public about interesting and important developments in the United States. With altogether almost 600,000 readers, over 70,000 followers per year, the American Studies Blog attracted readers from 184 different countries. More than 350 blog posts were published in the following categories: Access America (Popular Culture, History, and Current Events), Best Books & Fabulous Films (Reviews and More), Creativity Corner (All About the Arts), and Teaching Tools (Tips, Tricks, and Tools of the Trade). The category, “Access America (Popular Culture, History, and Current Events)” focuses on the historical, social, political and cultural developments in North America, with a particular emphasis on the United States and Canada. The category, “Best Books & Fabulous Films (Reviews and More)” features content-centered book releases, movie reviews, critical insights, and interviews with North American authors and playwrights. The category “Creativity Corner (All About the Arts)” delves into creative arts, intercultural experiences, and memories, offering a platform for diverse expressions. The category “Teaching Tools (Tips, Tricks, and Tools of the Trade)” caters to pedagogical matters, encompassing overviews of educational tools and projects, reflections on teaching methodologies, and discussions on introducing challenging topics within an educational context. The dataset includes videos in MP4 format from the American Studies Blog YouTube Channel.