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CS92PROD
Junior Colloquium: Cultural Power and American Studies
AMST 204
Fall 2008
Section: 01  

Our interdisciplinary venture focuses on the 19th century to the present. We will explore key American studies critical concerns such as the analysis of how cultural power relates to the reproduction of contradictory social relations and to efforts to bring about social transformation. Thus, we will consider not only what Americans are involved in--politically, economically, culturally--but what they might do about it. Our critical dialogues will engage cultural theory (Eagleton, Kavanagh, Weedon, West, Hooks), cultural criticism (Frank), literature (Hawthorne, Melville, Twain, Glaspell, Baraka), historical critique (Zinn, Wallace), a living-history museum's project to influence popular memory (Sturbridge Village trip), art and advertising (Berger, Kruger), and films (Capra, Lee, Moore). We will help one another develop as theoretically aware and creative American studies thinkers.

Essential Capabilities:
Interpretation (we will engage in theoretical, historical, and close readings of a range of texts and ideological productions) and Ethical Reasoning (we will raise political and ethical questions about what we read and discuss).
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS AMST
Course Format: SeminarGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Major Requirement for: None
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available

Last Updated on MAR-28-2024
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