`Being American': the construction of national identity (Core subject)
Ian Mylchreest
12 points
* One two-hour seminar per week
* Second semester
*
Clayton
Objectives Students completing this subject should be familiar with complex, indeed classic, texts which focus on defining the American experience and should thus be able to understand the different uses of texts across time to struggle with the problem of national identity in a nation which contradicts the norms of modern nationalism.
Synopsis Nationalism has been a pervasive force in modern history and culture, but national identity has rarely been static, much less a matter of unanimous agreement. This has been particularly true in new nations such as the United States where identity was created from many parts. This subject will focus on the question of American identity and how major cultural figures have treated the issue. The readings will be major texts expressing American culture; film will also be studied. Despite its origins in analysis of a national culture, American studies has recently been influenced by culture studies, anthropology and the main currents of literary criticism. As the core subject, this will explore issues of canon formation, the relation of subcultures to the dominant culture, and the relationship betwen high and popular culture. We will be exploring uncanonical readings of some very canonical texts. The subject will also focus on the methodologies of an interdisciplinary studies program.
Assessment Seminar paper (2000 words): 20%
* Short essay (2000
words): 20%
* Research essay (5000 words)
* 60%
Prescribed texts
Crevecoeur M-G St Jean de Letters from an American farmer Penguin
Faulkner W Absalom! Absalom! Penguin
The federalist papers Penguin
Franklin B Autobiography Penguin
James H The Europeans Penguin
Melville H The confidence man New American Library
Miller A Death of a Salesman Penguin
Morrison T Playing in the dark Harvard University Press
Toqueville Alexis de Democracy in America Penguin
Twain M The adventures of Huckleberry Finn Penguin
Wills G Lincoln at Gettysburg Touchstone
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