American Studies
Summer 2004
AMST 100 Ideas and Images in American Culture (AH) 3 credits
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A broad introduction to the study of American culture, past and present. The course focuses upon primary ideas that have been most influential in the development of American culture and their expression in a variety of forms, written and visual. Special emphasis is placed upon tensions between the individual and society and upon the relationship of culture to sub-cultures. For more information contact bloom@pa.net.
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Grade Method: REG
GFR/GER:Meets A/H. GDR:Meets H.
[0003] 7060 Meets 07/12/2004 - 08/20/2004 KING, P
MW.........1:00pm- 4:10pm (FA 015)
AMST 220 Studies in Popular Culture (AH) 3 credits
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The interplay of the popular arts and American society, using American studies interdisciplinary methodologies. Emphasis will be placed on the modern era from the 1890's to the present, with greatest weight placed upon mass and popular culture of the last quarter of this century. For more information contact hummel@wam.umd.edu.
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Grade Method: REG/P-F
GFR/GER:Meets A/H. GDR:Meets H.
[0005] 6060 Meets 06/01/2004 - 07/09/2004 HUMMEL, M
TuTh.......2:00pm- 5:10pm (FA 015)
AMST 280 Special Topics in American Studies Native 3 credits
American Literature and Culture
Grade Method: REG THIS IS A CROSS-LISTED
COURSE. SEE ENGL 243 FOR COURSE
DESCRIPTION.
[0006] 6060 Meets 06/01/2004 - 07/09/2004 LUPTON, M
TuTh.......9:00am-12:10pm (FA 018)
AMST 310 Gender and Inequality in America (AH) 3 credits
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An examination of the ways in which sex roles and gender relations are constructed and experienced in American society. Explores the development of a woman's "sphere," denoting women's position in the family and home; cultural definitions of femininity and masculinity through mass media, education, and other agencies of socialization; the relationship between wage-earning and household work; and feminist consciousness and politics. Special attention is paid to the ways in which gender-based experiences are divided by other social relations, particularly those of class, race, and age. Note: Also listed as WMST 310. For more information contact Emgeorge@aol.com.
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Grade Method: REG/P-F/AUD
GFR/GER:Meets A/H. GDR:Meets H.
[0007] 6060 Meets 06/01/2004 - 07/09/2004 GEORGE, E
MW.........9:00am-12:10pm (FA 006)
AMST 320 Television in American Culture (AH) 3 credits
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An examination of the economic, social, and artistic implications of television in the United States. Elements considered include television as a corporate structure, with emphasis on rating systems, programming philosophies and strategies, and demographic considerations; particular genres portrayed within daytime and prime-time television; sociological and psychological impact of television on American society; and television as a popular art. For more information contact hummel@wam.umd.edu.
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Grade Method: REG
GFR/GER:Meets A/H. GDR:Meets H.
[0008] 6060 Meets 06/01/2004 - 07/09/2004 HUMMEL, M
TuTh.......6:00pm- 9:10pm (FA 015)
AMST 357 Special Topics in Communications, Media, 3 credits
and the Arts American Reality Television
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This course examines the ways in which reality television has taken on mammoth proportions. Picking up from 2001's "The Real World, Big Brother and Survivor: Race, Sex and America's Fascination with Voyeurism" course, we venture into the new realm of reality television in 2004. Why has this form of television only grown in the last three years? Why have Americans consumed reality television with such fervor? This course explores the ways in which reality television has taken the simple voyeurism of Big Brother's cast members bickering, fighting, and elimination to a different level. This new level includes shows like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy--where five gay men can make over a grungy straight guy, his house, teach him to cook and help him get the girl. What do these trends say about Americans and American lifestyle? What are the implications of race, class, gender and sexuality in the new crop of reality shows? Note: Students should have completed AMST 100 or WMST 100. For more information contact Emgeorge@aol.com.
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Grade Method: REG/P-F/AUD
[0009] 6060 Meets 06/01/2004 - 07/09/2004 GEORGE, E
MW.........1:00pm- 4:10pm (FA 015)
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