Welcome to CCS

The Council on Comparative Studies (CCS) was formed in 1999 as a forum for advancing work in comparative international studies at American University in accordance with the University's Strategic Plan, the concerns and interests of Provost Kerwin and the Deans and faculty in comparative studies in both SPA and SIS. The Council seeks to create a common forum for faculty and students with broad interests in comparative and international politics, social change, and political economy.

CCS bridges different schools and departments at the University, and it covers all global regions. The formation of the CCS reflects particular concerns of the University administration for deepening and broadening American University's international endeavors, in light of the University's Strategic Plan. The Council, directed by faculty from the School of Public Affairs and the School of International Service, has several important objectives.

The key elements of its mission are to:

  • Facilitate academic interactions between SIS and SPA in the areas of comparative studies;
  • Promote intellectual exchanges and educational activities through speakers, colloquia, conferences, and brown-bag lunchs, visiting research appointments, among others;
  • Coordinate curriculum development at both graduate and undergraduate levels;
  • Identify common interests and research agendas, and facilitate these activities through periodic meetings, working papers, and dissemination of research information;
  • Provide initiative and assistance in mobilizing external resources to support comparative studies at American University;
  • Provide outreach to the Washington, DC policy and academic communities, as well as wider communities, in publicizing the role of comparative studies at AU.


Council on Comparative Studies | ccs@american.edu | 202.885.2362
 About CCS

Speaker Forums

Council Members