Amzat Assani: Ph.D. CandidateAssani Portrait

Areas of Interest

  • Cold War
  • International Relations
  • Popular Culture
  • US Diplomatic History

Biography

I come originally from Benin (West Africa). I did my studies at the National University of Benin where graduated with an M.A in Political Science and International Relations and a B.A in English. In 1997 I received a Certificate to teach French as a Foreign Language. Thereafter my teaching experience brought me to high schools where I taught English as foreign language as well as French. In 1999, I was one of the two recipients of the Fulbright scholarship students from my country to come and study in the USA. . This led me to California State University Fullerton where I got a Master in American Studies in 2001. While studying for my master, I attended in spring 2000, the Fulbright’s seminar organized from February 24th to 27th by the Institute of International Education in Monterey (California). The main theme was: “Agriculture: Facing the Challenges of the World Market”.

In 1991, I won the third national prize for the Essay Contest on the Bicentennial of the US constitution organized by the African-American Institute and the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States constitution. I am currently pursuing a PhD program in American Studies at Michigan State University where I have had about five years of teaching experience in writing as well as critical thinking classes. My interests are diverse. But it mainly includes the Cold War, International Relations and Popular Culture and the US Diplomatic History.