Center for American and World Cultures

The Center for American and World Cultures (CAWC) is an interdisciplinary hub for studying race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, and religion, both domestically and internationally. Our wide range of courses covers topics from the definitions of prejudice and discrimination to how to prepare for study abroad experiences. Join us for a journey that will change your perspective personally and professionally.

Advocating for All

The CAWC champions the expansion of Intergroup Dialogue at Miami in partnership with the President's Diversity & Inclusion (DEI) Task Force. #BeTheChangeMiami. Understand how we're taking action.

Intergroup Dialogue at Miami Miami University President's (DEI) Task Force Recommendations

A group of students engaged in discussion

Explore Intergroup Dialogue

Watch videos highlighting the benefits and impact of the Voices Intergroup Dialogue program at Miami

Voices of Discovery

Intergroup Dialogue

Student Perspectives

Learn about the Global Readiness Certificate

Students and faculty discuss the benefits and impact of the Global Readiness Certificate (GRC) at Miami

Learn More: GRC

What is the Global Readiness Certificate?

Why Should I Consider the GRC?

Interdisciplinary Studies Courses

Learn about the interdisciplinary studies courses taught through the Center for American and World Cultures.

Explore Courses

A group of students talking in the Center for American and World Cultures

Explore Annual Programs

Join us for programs that bring us closer together and promote a global perspective

Annual Programs

UniDiversity Festival

The Robert E. Strippel Memorial Fund

Oh, how you’ll grow (Part 2: studying away)

Surviving culture shock (Part 1: studying abroad)

Campus Life

Karla Guinigundo’s MacMillan Hall office filled with keepsakes from her travels

Oxford and Beyond

UniDiversity Festival Sept. 22 to celebrate 20th anniversary during Hispanic Latino-American Heritage Month

More Global News

View all Events

How the CAWC Has Helped

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Have conversations with individuals from different backgrounds.

"This is a more practical application of how you engage with individuals, how you facilitate that conversation with individuals from different backgrounds, not just research about it theoretically, not just read about it because it's easy to come to those conclusions when you read about it, but until you actually have a face-to-face conversation and learn what are these skills that are really required."

–Pankhuri Aggarwal

Understand how similar we are in our quest for love, comfort, and independence.

"The opportunities that I've experienced as a part of the Global Readiness Certificate have shaped the growth that I've experienced over the past four years. I have achieved a more holistic and compassionate outlook on the world through traveling and globally minded classes"

–Grace Sonderman

Have conversations about difficult topics.

"When you don't [have conversations about difficult topics], you start to believe that they're solved or that they're over with. I think it's important to keep having these conversations so that we know where we're at as a society."

–Tone McKoy

Engage in healthy conversation.

"It's critical that we figure out ways to engage in healthy conversation with one another, even when topics sometimes make us reflect on challenging issues or feel uncomfortable. When we avoid difficult dialogues, we miss out on wonderful opportunities for growth and learning, for collaborating with and deeply understanding those who are different from us in some way. Engaging in healthy dialogue will likely be of physical and mental health benefit and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable society."

–Natalee Price

Our Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Center for American and World Cultures is to provide spaces of investigation and encounter about American and world cultures to build students’ multicultural competencies and prepare them for informed global engagement.

Our vision is to provide all students with a transformational experience that prepares them for meaningful civic engagement and fulfilling careers in today's increasingly diverse democracy and global community.