AJL07002 Introduction to American Studies: Topics in Culture

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2023
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. PhDr. Tomáš Pospíšil, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Jeffrey Alan Vanderziel, B.A. (lecturer)
Mgr. et Mgr. Tomáš Varga (assistant)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Tomáš Pospíšil, Ph.D.
Department of English and American Studies – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Tomáš Hanzálek
Supplier department: Department of English and American Studies – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Thu 10:00–11:40 B2.13
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 200 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 97/200, only registered: 0/200, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/200
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 12 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
The course aims at familiarizing students with the major events the major themes in U.S. history and culture from World War II through the present. Among other topics that are also explored in the course are the following: religion in the United States, the media, foreign policy, American regions, Native Americans, African Americans, gender, the system of government.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to discuss important themes relating to American history and culture from the 20th century. They should be able to explain the relationship between specific themes and the general trends of American history and how they relate to and diverge from the primary American historical narrative. The will be able to identify the important historical figures and their writings associated with the topics listed in the outline.
Syllabus
  • During this semester, the course shifts from a chronological to a thematic survey of important issues in American history and culture, with a focus on post-World War II events. Readings come from a variety of sources as indicated in the bibliography.
  • Week 1: "Happy Days": The 1950s
  • Week 2: The Sixties and Their Impact
  • Week 3: Native Americans
  • Week 4: Culture Wars: The 1970s and '80s
  • Week 5: Religion in the United States
  • Week 6: African Americans
  • Week 7: READING WEEK
  • Week 8: The Media A Nation of Governments
  • Week 9: Immigration and Ethnic Identity
  • Week 10: American Foreign Policy
  • Week 11: Gender, Feminism and Sexual Identity
  • Week 12: The American City and American Regions
  • Week 13: A Nation of Governments
Literature
    required literature
  • BRINKLEY, Alan. American history : a survey. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1991, xvi, s. ISBN 0070150281. info
  • CAMPBELL, Neil and Alasdair KEAN. American cultural studies : an introduction to American culture. 1st pub. London: Routledge, 1997, viii, 311. ISBN 041512798X. info
  • Darcy McNickle. Native American Tribalism. Indian Survivals and Renewals, Oxford University Press, 1973.
Teaching methods
A weekly 1.5 hour lecture/seminar in English
Assessment methods
A written test consisting of 50 questions (multiple choice, matching, short answer). When a student answers a question correctly, he/she is awarded a point(s) for it. To pass the test, a student must achieve a score of 60%.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
Teacher's information
http://elf.phil.muni.cz/elf/course/view.php?id=447
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2023, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/spring2023/AJL07002