Introduction to American Studies

COURSE OBJECTIVE
By the end of the courses, students will be able to:
- Define and explain some of the key concepts shaping American identity and ideology, such as the American Dream, city upon a hill, the frontier, and the melting pot
- Demonstrate critical thinking when evaluating and discussing terms, texts, and objects that have played a role in American rhetoric, such as “freedom,” “diversity,” and “citizen”
- Draw connections between contemporary social, cultural, and political issues and past events
- Analyze and interpret a contemporary American social, cultural, or political object, event, or movement

COURSE CONTENT
In this course students learn to study the United States from an interdisciplinary perspective. By looking at both fiction and nonfiction texts, as well as expressions of popular culture, students will get a better understanding of this complex and multifaceted country, and will be equipped to assess and analyze contemporary American social, cultural, and political events.

TEACHING METHODS
Two weekly lectures and seminars.

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Attendance and Participation (10%); Presentation (30%); Final Exam (60%). Students must receive a 5.5 or higher on the final exam to pass the course.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students must also take (or have taken) part in one of two other modules: either (1) Transatlantic Travel Writing or (2) Social History of the United States.