American Studies Course, the Context
Aim: The aim of the course is to familiarize students with basic information about the geography, people, and history of the United States of America in the twentieth century. These areas will be studied through relevant observations and artifacts of American culture and Culture, including but not limited to literature and the arts, other writings and contributions, physical objects, and social and human sciences themes.
Topics:
* 20th Century historical sketch of the US
* Major American authors and other contributors
* Identifying and researching cultural studies topics
* Understanding America and Americans
Objectives: As a result of taking this course, students should be able to:
* sketch a history of twentieth century America including at least three or four significant events, people, or characteristics for each decade;
* give a conventional book report of a work written in English by an American author or thinker of the twentieth century;
* properly cite and accurately summarize three American Studies secondary sources from approved online sources; and
* use a simple "culture inquiry protocol" to showcase an insight into Americans or America from readings and research.
Unit: Identifying and researching cultural studies topics
Background Learning:
1. Go to [link no longer available].
2. Read the article (popular press secondary source).
3. Now ask yourself this question: What does this article tell me about America or Americans?
4. With answers to this question, you have at least one research hypothesis (cultural insight to test). You can now look for other examples of it to illustrate what the above article told you, or didn't tell you!
Assignment 6: Describe, explain, and/or discuss the meaning of an observation of America or Americans. Use primary and secondary sources to support your insights. Submit a detailed outline and list of references for your research.
An observation is a cultural studies topic (from the previous assignment). It is specific and small. Be careful if you choose a history topic, because it will only be a very tiny observation of America or Americans about that.
Get these points clearly in mind before proceeding with identifying and researching cultural studies topics.
1. What is DESCRIPTION. At the surface level, you or someone observes a phenomenon that is possibly unique or characteristic of a culture. There is always a source--you or other.
2. What is EXPLANATION. Once that is described, one asks the question, "How is that so?" What is an explanation for that phenomenon? Usually cultural informants help with this. With an answer that is defensible, we have begun to penetrate.
3. What is UNDERSTANDING. Once we have an explanation, the ultimate question is to ask what it (the phenomenon) means to those who do it, or are in it, etc. "Why do you do that?" The only way to get to this level is to ask those who actually or should know. Sometimes even the natives can't tell you very well or easily. At this level, you or someone needs insight.
Finally an INSIGHT, especially if it stands up to rational and empirical critique, can be a little something that we can say we understand. Whew!
DON'T WORRY. An example of this assignment will be provided in class with documentation online.
How to Proceed
So, how do you do Assignment 6? Well, the easiest way is to try to follow the outline (above).
1. What is your observation? This you have yourself, or you get from your source. You should already have an idea for an observation, if not the actual observation or phenomenon, from Assignment 5!
2. Try to find out how or why it is--an explanation for your observation. Look at what you have observed and ask why is that? or how is that? where does it come from? etc.! (Remember, asking questions is important for this course and is the key for success.)
3. Try to find out what Americans say or think about this thing you have observed. Talk to one. But if you cannot find one live here in Liberec, go to the trusty Internet. Find a forum related to the subject and post your questions and watch for answers. Or, find news articles about the observation, or where people have been quoted on the subject. Or, find a book about it, or a secondary source (e.g., an article). In other words, go deeper with your observations. Maybe you have an answer (insight) right in front of you! Gather data and look at and think about them!
