Course Descriptions
American Studies
(AMST)
300. Imagined Americas. (3-0). Credit 3.
Exploration of the development of major conceptions of American culture with particular attention to the major debates over the nature of national identity, set in historical context. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
310. Confronting Conflict. (3-0). Credit 3.
Exploration of America's legacy of violent conflict; examples include Euro-American conflict, labor strife, crime, urban riots, civil and international war and domestic violence. Prerequisites: AMST 300 or approval of instructor.
320. Versions of the American Dream. (3-0). Credit 3.
Exploration of American issues such as the "good life," spirituality, utopian communities, consumption and waste, economic expectations, and America as a "city on a hill." Prerequisite: AMST 300 or approval of instructor.
330. Intersecting Cultures. (3-0). Credit 3.
Examines the questions of American identity and its construction, especially through cultural encounters in the Americas. Prerequisites: AMST 300 or approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.
340. Region and Place. (3-0). Credit 3.
Explores the mythic functions of various settings and practices in America and/or the United States; representations of the landscape and regional sensibilities; various media, such as literature, paintings, photography, film and music examined. Prerequisites: AMST 300 or approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.
481. Senior Seminar. (3-0). Credit 3.
A capstone course for the B.A. in American Studies, featuring in-depth investigation of an issue, problem or question in American Studies; includes a student research project and research paper. Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credits in American Studies or approval of instructor.
489. Special Topics in... Credit 1 to 4.
Special topics in an identified area of American Studies. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.