`Being American': the construction of national identity
Ian Mylchreest and Elaine Barry
8 or 12 points
* One 2-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. They 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. Despite its origins in analysis of a national culture, American studies has been influenced by culture studies, anthropology and the main currents of literary criticism. We will explore issues of canon formation, the relation of subcultures to the dominant culture, and the relationship between 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 fourth year (8 points) Written: (6000 words): 100%
Assessment fourth year (12 points) Written (9000 words): 100%
Assessment fifth year (8 points) Written: (6000 words): 100%
Assessment fifth year (12 points) Written (9000 words): 100%
Prescribed texts
Benjamin Franklin Autobiography Penguin, 1986
Michel G St John de Crevecour Letters from an American farmer Penguin, 1981
The Federalist Papers Penguin, 1987
Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America Penguin, 1969
Herman Melville The confidence man NAL, 1990
Garry Wills Lincoln at Gettysburg Touchstone, 1992
Mark Twain The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn NAL, 1985
Henry James The Europeans Penguin, 1964
William Faulkner Absalom! Absalom! Penguin, 1964
Mr Smith Goes to Washington (film)
Arthur Miller Death of a Salesman Penguin, 1961
Toni Morrison Playing in the dark Harvard U P, 1992
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