Course Number:

Credit Hours:

4

Course Title:

Cultural History of the U.S.

Course Description:

Identifies, explains, and traces the evolution of some of the most important ideas and issues that have shaped American history and culture. Explores the tension between community and individualism in the context of debates and conflicts about religious belief and toleration; the nature of liberty, civic responsibility, and the state; immigration and ethnicity; race and gender relationships; and class distinctions. Considers the impact of advertising and the growing consciousness of the power of a consumer-driven culture in the early twentieth century, and explores the simultaneous enthusiasm for and concern about technological innovation. Helps students understand the ways in which popular and elite literature, film, and other electronic media, advertising, leisure pursuits, and religion are mined for information about a culture.