American Studies - Spring 2007 Course Offerings
A103: Introduction to American Studies
26002 1:30P - 2:45P MW Uechi
This course serves as an introduction to the discipline of American Studies and offers opportunities to respond to many methodological questions in the field. This course will examine these questions not only theoretically but also practically, incorporating slides, films, animations, DVDs, PowerPoint, CDs, and Internet sources, all of which will help students to understand various methodological elements in American Studies.
Two significant premises of American Studies are “interdisciplinary studies” and “internationalism.” This course emphasizes both premises. The course addresses the interdisciplinary premise by exploring American art, architecture, music, literature, and films, all of which embody identities of nation, race, class, gender, sexuality, and ethnicity. The course also provides opportunities to see these from an international perspective by using Japanese anime etc.
A302: The Question of American Community
26001 12:00P - 1:15P TR Marvin
This semester A302 will focus on some of the major issues confronting American communities today by taking a close look at several communities in Indianapolis. What factors make some of these communities attractive places to live while others struggle to meet the basic needs of residents? What brings communities together and what drives them apart? We will consider how architecture and urban planning contribute to (or detract from) community; how the suburbs differ from the city; and how citizens can be empowered to improve their own communities. Students will be introduced to the techniques of oral history interviewing and documentary photography and undertake primary research in an Indianapolis community, either by producing a documentary or a working on a service learning project with a local agency. Students who receive a grade of “B” or better will receive honors credit for the course.
A303: The German Heritage of America
22034 6:00P - 7:15P TR Hoyt
Its purposes are: 1. to provide an overview of the rich and varied cultural heritage of German-Americans; 2. to assist students in researching German Heritage with a view toward developing research skills, often with original documents. Since over a quarter of the Indiana and the US population is of German descent, it is a topic that provides much to discuss. Experts from a number of fields are invited to give presentations, and therre is a field trip to a German-American site in Indiana.
A303: The Literature of Rock ‘n’ Roll
22033 12:00P - 1:15P MW Gosney
What constitutes the literature of rock music? Some would say that a three-paragraph review of the latest CD in Rolling Stone is the best and perhaps only example. But what about the countless books, essays, articles and other extended works that have been written about this music? How (and why?) is it possible, for example, to use rock music as the framework for a written discourse on American history (and in such discourse, suggest a logical, relevant connection between Abraham Lincoln and Elvis Presley?) How could an extended review of a rock ‘n’ roll album transform itself (logically and correctly) into first-rate political and social commentary? All of these questions – and many more – will be addressed in this course, as we explore the “written word of rock ‘n’ roll” in all its wonderfully complex and fascinating permutations.
A499 SR American Studies Tutorial
18344 ARR Eller
G753 Independant Study
18345 ARR Eller
