IDS 232 American Identities

3 Credit(s) DI DIII V

This first course in the American Studies Concentration sequence investigates the meaning of and contest over defining “America” and “Americans” while introducing students to the methods and materials of American Studies. Using an interdisciplinary perspective, students will learn to interpret sources from popular and fine arts, literature, music, film, and historical, sociological and geographic documents as well as other non-fiction writing, to study how American cultural and national identities developed and to recognize their role in contemporary society. Of particular interest will be the ways in which American identity or identities are tied to race, gender and class. Required of all students in the American Studies Concentration. Three lecture hours per week.