IDS 232 American Identities

3 Credit(s) HP

This course explores many different ideas about and debates over the meaning of ”America” and “Americans” while introducing students to the methods and materials of American Studies. Using an interdisciplinary perspective, students will study how “American” cultural and national identities have developed over four centuries and the impact of this history on “American” experiences today. Of particular interest will be the ways in which American identity(ies) is tied to race gender ethnicity and class. Students will learn to interpret cultural products drawn from popular and fine arts, literature, music, and film as well as historical, sociological and geographic documents and other non-fiction writing. Three lecture hours per week.