This course explores the analytical tools American Studies scholars have developed to better understand the impact of diversity on social and political life in the United States. For example, how might American Studies methods help us ask thoughtful and nuanced questions about race and ethnicity; gender and sexuality; class and labor; criminal justice; climate change; immigration; and health disparities in the nation today? Equally important, many field scholars are asking new questions about the impact of U.S. culture and politics on the global stage. Topics include U.S. military actions in Vietnam and the Middle East, as well as the impact of American business practices on the economies of nation states around the world. Course materials include scholarly articles and book chapters, as well as film, fiction, and historical artifacts. 

AmCult 300 will help curious and engaged students think about issues of the day in more nuanced and productive ways.

Course Requirements:

Requirements include regular attendance and participation, and the timely completion of reading and writing assignments. Writing assignments include short reading responses, a 5-page research paper, as well as a mid-term and final exam.

Intended Audience:

This humanities course is open to all undergraduate students, regardless of major.

Class Format:

In-person lecture and discussion. If new COVID variants emerge we will follow required university health protocols.