About the Journal

Focus and Scope

COPAS—Current Objectives of Postgraduate American Studies is an open access, peer-reviewed e-journal dedicated to publishing research by early career Americanists. It was launched as an easy-to-access platform for scholarly exchange following the 1999 PGF conference in Regensburg, helped by funds from the Bayerische Amerika-Akademie. True to its original mission, COPAS showcases the work of early career scholars in the field with an annual issue featuring articles based on contributions from the latest PGF conference. In 2013, the journal’s scope expanded to include guest-edited thematic issues—proposals are welcome at any time! Currently, Gulsin Ciftci, Paula von Gleich, Fenja Heisig, Juliann Knaus, Stephen Koetzing, Whit Frazier Peterson, Florian Wagner, and Corina Wieser-Cox edit and publish COPAS. The journal is hosted and supported by the University of Regensburg.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

Journal History

List of Former Editors

Gesine Wegner (2017-2022)
Cedric Essi (2017-2020)
Samira Spatzek (2016-2022)
Nathalie Aghoro (2014-2018)
Katharina Fackler (2014-2018)
Johanna Heil (2014-2017)
Anna Flügge (2014)
Klara-Stephanie Szlezák (2010-2017)
Sascha Pöhlmann (2010-2014)
Birgit Bauridl (2007-2009)
Ingrid Gessner (2002-2012)
Juliane Schwarz-Bierschenk (2000-2014)
Karsten Fitz (2000-2007)
Zeno Ackermann (2000)