What does it mean to be Armenian (or, for that matter, to identify as anything at all)? Is there such a thing as 'Armenian-ness' (or 'Greek-ness,' or 'Turkish-ness,' or 'American-ness')? How might we navigate the complicated terrain of our own identities, especially when those identities are shared by so many others--many of whom are nothing like 'us'?

This fast-paced course will grapple with the multiple ways we might belong (or not belong) to a culture, a population, a territory, or a past. Although our focal point will be on Armenian experiences -- past and present -- students are encouraged to use the critical tool-kits of the course to analyze the cultural systems, and ways of being, that surround us every day.

Our objects of analysis will be diverse: we will listen to poetry, watch films, analyze folk music, and explore the history of language itself.

Course Requirements:

Grading is based on a number of short response papers, a class debate, a midterm, and a final exam.

Intended Audience:

Undergraduate students

Class Format:

Two 90-minute meetings weekly