AJ4_PMAM Problems of Modern America

Faculty of Education
Autumn 2003
Extent and Intensity
0/1/0. 1 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Michael George, M.A. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Pavel Doležel, CSc.
Department of English Language and Literature – Faculty of Education
Contact Person: Mgr. Petra Hoydenová
Timetable
Wed 18:00–18:45 učebna 58
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This is a 1-credit seminar/discussion course in which students will be investigating some of the problems and conditions of America today. Topics can include: racism, violence, drugs, gun control, social welfare, the changes in the traditional family structure, problems in public education, as well as multiculturalism, minority rights and feminism. This course is organized as a true round table seminar where students are expected to have read the assigned texts and come to the table prepared to engage in discussion about the topic. The semester will end with student research presentations on relevant topics of their choice.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction. 2. Modern American values, the individual and the government 3. Democracy, capitalism, and pop culture 4. Minorities and American society 5. Education and society 6. Guns, violence and the Constitution 7. The changing family 8. Feminism and the family 9. Poverty vs. opportunity and social mobility 10. Social welfare 11. Socio-linguistics 12.-15. Student research presentations
Literature
  • Lerner, Max, America as Civilization, Henry Holt and Co., 1987; Popken, Randall et.al., Departures, Allyn and Bacon, 1995; Atwan, Robert, ed., America Now, Bedford Books,1997
  • MCDERMOTT, John J. (John Joseph). Streams of experience : reflections on the history and philosophy of American culture. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1986, xxi, 266 p. ISBN 0-87023-496-250. info
  • BELLAH, Robert Neelly. Habits of the heart : individualism and commitment in American life. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1985, xiii, 355. ISBN 0520053885. info
  • TOCQUEVILLE, Alexis de. Democracy in America. Edited by Richard D. Heffner. New York: New American Library, 1956, 317 s. ISBN 0-451-62218-9. info
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Typ výuky: seminár
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Information on course enrolment limitations: Předpoklad: AJ4_DUSA
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 1999, Autumn 2000, Autumn 2001, Autumn 2002.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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