5:45-8:15P     W      BH310

A portion of the above section reserved for majors

Organized both topically and chronologically, the course investigates
several select topics in American cultural life and thought from the
late 19th century to the present.  Above all, we shall seek to
understand the changing sense of personal selfhood in specific ethnic
and religious groups, social classes, genders, and professions in
response to the decline of local communities, the rise of centralized
bureaucracies, and the mechanization and specialization of labor.
Subjective, perceived realities and the ways in which these
perceptions are expressed culturally shall therefore constitute our
central focus.

Among others, readings shall include Alan Brinkley's examination of
the potential for fascism in depressionary America (Voices of
Protest), and novels by Kate Chopin (The Awakening); Richard Wright
(Native Son); and David Guterson (Snow Falling on Cedars).  Films such
as "Modern Times" (Chaplin) and "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning" shall
also be seen.  The central task of each student shall be a continually
revised position paper that integrates basic course materials along
themes that one sees as appropriate.