Summarize the major economic, political, social and cultural forces influencing identity and experience in the United States.
Explain the multidisciplinary diversity and intellectual rigor that make up the field of American Studies.
Develop compelling and logical questions and arguments about American life and thought.
Interpret, understand, and engage a variety of texts within cultural, social and historic contexts.
Gather, analyze, and evaluate information from a variety of sources and media.
Compose texts in a variety of media formats.
Course Description This course introduces students to cultural studies and the alternative interpretations of American history and culture. Particular attention will be paid to indigenous history, country music, tattoos, and American mobilization for war. Course materials and lectures will frequently utilize cultural traditions to explore key concepts and issues. Additionally, this course will require students to assume an analytical and critical perspective on academic interpretive models. We will read texts that exemplify critical Marxist, feminist, and reflexive anthropological approaches.