Introduction to American Culture Studies

3 units

What exactly *is* American Culture Studies? What do scholars in the field study, how do they do it, and what kind of jobs do they have? This course will introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of American Culture Studies. Students will learn how to critically analyze American history, culture, and society through the field's interdisciplinary methodologies, frameworks, and key questions. To do this work, we will use various mythologies that permeate throughout American history and culture as a lens of analysis. We will discuss scholarship from a variety of disciplines; examine cultural artifacts ranging from sports mascots, reality T.V., World's Fair photography, graphic novels, and more. We will interact with professionals working in the field through guest lectures and site visits. Students can expect to leave the course with a thorough understanding of the field of American Culture Studies, equipped with a working knowledge of how to practice interdisciplinary research in their own academic and professional work.