The Princeton Program in American Studies, founded in 1943, sponsors teaching, research, and public discussion about the history, literature, art, and cultures of the United States, in ways that transcend the traditional disciplines.

The Anschutz Distinguished Fellowship, created through an endowment by the Anschutz family, will be awarded in the academic year 2020-21 to a distinguished writer, critic, journalist, musician, artist, or other contributor to the arts, letters, public service, or commerce. The fellowship holder need not be an academic scholar. However, the selection committee will place great weight on indicia of the candidate's teaching ability as well as the rigor, innovation, and interdisciplinary emphasis of the proposed seminar course. 

The appointment period will be for one semester only: Fall 2020 or Spring 2021. Appointees "in residence" will be expected to relocate to the town of Princeton for the semester. Commuting appointees will live within daily commuting distance of Princeton's campus. Both types of appointees will be expected to perform the following, core duties:

The Anschutz Fellow will teach one interdisciplinary undergraduate seminar course for the American Studies Program during this one-semester appointment. The seminar will be composed of not more than 15 students, and will meet for three hours weekly over the 12-week teaching semester.  In addition to teaching and holding weekly office hours to meet with enrolled students, the Fellow will be expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the American Studies Program, including participation in a wide range of events and activities on campus (such as participating in the American Studies workshop). The Fellow will also deliver at least one public lecture to the University. The Fellow will enjoy full access to Firestone Library, a computer-equipped campus office during the appointment period, and access to various University facilities.