Cradle of Democracy?: Race, Childhood, and U.S. National Identity

From Elian Gonzalez to Trayvon Martin, children play an important role in political narratives concerning domestic and international affairs. Engaging with a range of texts—including blogs, films, and online exhibits—students will consider how the idea of childhood and the bodies of children have constructed our gendered and racialized sense of self. Such ideas about difference and belonging also emerge through children’s material culture, and so students will create a children’s book and multimedia website as well as visit the Providence Children’s Museum.