American Studies 201 - Introduction to American Studies
Intro to American Studies
Fall
2024
01
4.00
Evangeline Heiliger
TU TH 10:50 AM - 12:05 PM
Smith College
AMS-201-01-202501
vheiliger@smith.edu
This course provides an introduction to American Studies through the interdisciplinary study of American history, life and culture. Students develop critical tools for analyzing cultural texts (including literature, visual arts, music, fashion, advertising, social media, buildings, objects and bodies) in relation to political, social, economic and environmental contexts. The course examines the influence of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality and transnationality on conceptions of citizenship, and struggles over what it means to be an “American,” and how this has shaped the distribution of power, resources and wellbeing in the United States.