Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0238 - Myths of America

This course investigates the imaginative, mythic, historical, and aesthetic meanings of "America," from its earliest incarnations through the mid-nineteenth century, and the ways in which the "national imaginary" has continually been challenged, shaped and pressured by the presence of radical and marginal groups and individuals. We will read both major and unfamiliar works of the colonial, revolutionary, early republic and antebellum years, and examine how these works embody, envision, revise, and respond to central concepts and tropes of national purpose and identity. Our conversations will address the spiritual and religious underpinnings of American nationhood; exploration, conquest, and nature; notions of individualism, progress, improvement, and success; race, ethnicity, class, and gender; alternative nationalisms and communities. This course is ideal for students seeking to ground and fortify their study of nineteenth and twentieth century American literature, history and culture.

Culture, Humanities, and Languages Writing and Research Multiple Cultural Perspectives Independent Work In this course students are expected to spend at least 6-9 hours of preparation and work outside of class time.