This course will focus on how the "American Dream" has been exported
to the rest of the world, including cultural imperialism and
economic expansion. The course will(1)examine how the "American
Dream" has been presented at World's Fairs, including the role of
corporations and the United States government, (2)analyze the
Disneyization of the world, by examining the themeing of
the "American Dream" in theme parks,(3)examine the reaction by
foreign countries to this phenomenon, as well as the growing global
tourism industry,(4)examine the concept of Americanization by
looking at the impact of American film, music, sports, the internet
and advertising around the world, and(5) analyze the concept of
globalization and McDonaldization. The course will come full circle
by looking at immigration to the US and the search for the "American
Dream", as well as how the rest of the world looks at the US and why
they love and hate us at the same time. The course will include
required videos, as well sessions in the Lilly Library and the Art
Museum.