Introduction to American Studies Discussion

(0 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course introduces the interdisciplinary field of American Studies, emphasizing key texts and methods for critically understanding what "America" means (and to whom), and what it means to be American. How have ideas about race, gender, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, and class shaped the making and meaning of America and Americans? What are the dominant myths and values that Americans seem to share? What is the American Dream? In particular, this class considers the ways in which concepts of America and American are performed: how notions of citizenship and national identity are constructed through particular acts and actions, from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to watching football, going shopping, marching on Washington, and touring America's National Parks.