America's Culture Wars

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course explores how, since the 1970s, Americans have disagreed on fundamental ideas regarding sex, race, history, foreign policy, class, the economy, and religion. It comes to terms with why contemporary Americans can see reality in such radically divergent ways. Students will examine the way Americans of the last half century have fought over the "soul of the nation." Readings will address the liberal-conservative divide, fracture, and polarization. The course is organized into five sections: (1) Gender, Sexuality and Religion; (2) Art, Music, and Censorship; (3) the AIDS Crisis; (4) Race; and (5) Education.