American studies—understood as the interdisciplinary study of American culture, history, and society—embraces different disciplines, methodologies, and fields of enquiry.

This award is open to candidates from all disciplines trained in American studies or associated with American-studies programs at institutions in the United States as well as candidates from all disciplines who may not consider themselves American-studies specialists but who systematically bring their interests and expertise to bear topically on the study of the United States. Primary institutional affiliation may be with the departments of English and/or American studies (Amerikanistik) and/or the Center for Inter-American Studies at the host institution, and/or with other departments, contingent upon the grantee's field of specialization. The cross-listing of courses is possible.

Recipients of this award teach two courses (classes meet once a week for 90 minutes) for advanced undergraduate or graduate students in their area of interest, with details on content and format of courses to be arranged by the host institution and professor. Other duties, such as tutorials and student advising, are negotiable and depend on the needs and expectations of the host institution and the manner in which the working relationship develops.