Introduction to the study of American culture using methods drawn from cultural anthropology and from other disciplines such as history, literature, philosophy, and the social and natural sciences. The course begins by defining and outlining the basic elements of culture, then develops more complex concepts of culture such as ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, values, universalism, artifacts and idiosyncratic behavior. The content in this course necessarily varies regularly. Writing intensive. Every year.
400. Readings in American Studies. 4 semester hours.
Directed readings course in American Studies topics, which involves the writing of literature surveys and oral presentation of topics under study. Writing intensive.
490. Research in American Studies. 4 semester hours.
Writing intensive. Every year.
491. Internship. Variable credit.
499. Honors Thesis/Project. Variable credit.
Prerequisites: 3.50 GPA, permission of the Department Chairperson.