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This course is intended to provide a foundational understanding of cultural myth(s), production, and analysis in Cultural Studies. This lecture will primarily focus on the United States but will feature some Canadian history and culture. The first section of the course will be dedicated to a general survey of contemporary political and social aspects in the United States, as well as some in Canada. The second section will provide an overview of theoretical approaches to North American Cultural Studies with a focus on the historical development of policy, media, race, gender, and class. The course’s historical focus will primarily be centered around understanding how events in the twentieth- and twenty-first century have contributed to present-day American national identity formation. We will explore how popular narratives aim to encompass multiculturalism, while also working to universalize the American experience and what it means to be ”American.” We will discuss issues regarding race, class, gender, sexuality, discrimination, violence, and slavery. It is my intention to create a safe space for all participants to learn and engage with this discourse, as well as understand/respect different perspectives.
Readings/materials: Select essays, chapters, and excerpts will be made available on Moodle. Most readings will be from: Neil Campbell & Alasdair Kean, American Cultural Studies: An Introduction to American Culture. Fourth edition. (Routledge, 2016). Music, film, social media, and other video footage will also be provided to students via MS Teams and/or Moodle. Course requirements: readings, regular attendance, final exam (depending on circumstances this could take place online or in person).
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