American Studies

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31075, 2 June 1966, Page 12

American Studies

A grant of 50,000 dollars over five years to establish a chair of American studies, together with a grant of 25,000 dollars for library purchases in this field, has been made to the University of Canterbury by the American Council of Learned Societies, using Ford Foundation funds. These contributions will be welcomed for their generosity, their academic challenge, and their evidence of good will towards New Zealand. It is rare for this country to receive from an overseas agency so handsome a gift; and it may be taken as a compliment to the start made in American studies in the University of Canterbury. It is, no doubt, in America’s interest that New Zealand university students should have the opportunity at home to learn more of the United States. It is clearly in New Zealand’s interests that these students should expand their knowledge of a major world Power. However, the course at the University of Canterbury comprehends the study of a whole national culture: and it has the advantage of offering ooportunities for the inter-disciplinary activities which the University of Canterbury is keen to extend as part of a broader education. The creation of the new chair will be of interest outside as well as within academic circles: so will the requirement that the library grant be matched locally. These spurs to public interest in the university could not have come at a better time.