American Studies - Fall 2007 Course Offerings

AMST-A 103 TOPICS IN AMERICAN STUDIES: American Studies Through the Lens of Bugs Bunny (3 cr.)
#4483  TR 10:30A-11:45A   ES 0014   Benjamin Aldred
This class focuses on the concerns of American studies through the years, using familiar texts to provide ways of looking at the various methodologies of American Studies. By using various techniques classic to the discipline to analyze Bugs Bunny cartoons, students will become more familiar with the basics of American Studies while learning about one of the most influential media figures of the 20th century. Assignments will include analysis of Bugs Bunny cartoons using various theories.

AMST-A 301 QUESTION OF AMERICAN IDENTITY: Alternative Histories and American Identity (3 cr.)
#6330   MW 3:00P-4:15P   ES 0014  Benjamin Aldred
American studies scholars have frequently treated American identity as inextricably linked to American history, but history is rarely a singular vision.  In this class, notions of American identity will be examined in light of different historical narratives, some literary, some foreign, some revolutionary, some official. These narratives provide interesting clues to the identities of their tellers and give insight into singular and multiple natures of American identity. Assignments will include analysis of historical texts and media.

AMST-A 303 TOPICS IN AMERICAN STUDIES: Organizing for Social Action (3 cr.)
#6454  Friday 9:30A-12:00P   ES 0014  Tom Marvin
In this course we will study the social movements of the past and meet the activists who are working for social justice today.  We will learn about the history of American activism from Revolutionary days to the present in order to understand how mass organizations are created and how they can be used to realize the American ideals of liberty, equality, justice, peace, and opportunity. Originally designed as the centerpiece for the first year of the Sam Masarachia Scholars Program, this seminar is now open to all who are interested in social action organizing, especially with regard to labor, seniors, and communities. This will be a “traveling seminar,” moving beyond the classroom to engage the community. At several points during the semester we will meet at the site of a labor, senior, or other community organization, hosted by a representative of that organization. For more information, contact Tom Marvin at tmarvin1@iupui.edu. 

AMST-A 303 TOPICS IN AMERICAN STUDIES: BEAT Generation (3 cr.)
#6453   MW 12:00P-01:15P  ES 0014  John Gosney
Get hip and be cool with “The Beat Generation”. Explore a uniquely American literary and cultural movement that sought to defy societal rules in an explosive mixture of music, literature and art. Setting precedents the hippies of the 1960's would later follow, the “Beats” were the original American rebels. Go “on the road” as you take a semester-length virtual road trip across America, a mind-expanding journey into emotion, sensation, music, art and the philosophy of experience. Dig it!

AMST-A 497 OVERSEAS STUDY, DERBY, UK (4 CR.)
Students register for this course when participating in the student exchange program with the University of Derby in England.

AMST-A 499 SR AMERICAN STUDIES TUTORIAL
This course is the culmination of the American studies minor. It aims to synthesize previous work and the student’s particular interests in American studies while offering the student an opportunity to do in-depth research under the guidance of an American studies faculty member. It may be taken in conjunction with a major capstone course.

AMST-G 753 INDEPENDENT STUDY