American Culture and Society

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, student will be able to: Explain essential factors that influence the characteristics of American society, Appraise the diversity of American identities and experiences, particularly with respect to issues of race, class, gender, and region, Recognize a range of cultural artefacts that one can utilize in the study of American experience and cultural values, Summarize the typical characteristics of America compared with other countries.

Topics

1. Introduction
2. The Puritans and the Pilgrims 1607-1776
3. The Birth of a New Republic 1776 – 1800
4. The Growth of American society 1800 – 1865
5. The Reconstruction
6. Jazz and Depression 1865 – 1929
7. The Depression 1929 – 1945
8. People of Plenty 1945 – 1950
9. The Civil Rights Movement 1950 – 1960
10. The Counterculture 1960 – 1970
11. America as the Police of the World
12. The Clinton’s Administration
13. Contemporary America (2000 – 2007)
14. America Today: a critical overview (2007-Present)