Courses

AMST 227 The Black Image in American Film

Since the beginning of the American film industry, white, black and other filmmakers have used the black image to interrogate American identity. This course focuses upon the often contentious dialog between white and black filmmakers, critics, and activists over the creation and control of the black image - a struggle that has been a fundamental component of the American film industry since its creation. Examination of this artistic conflict helps students to explore the larger social struggles and issues surrounding race in American society, as well as to experience the richness of African American culture and the vibrant history of American film and criticism. Above all, students learn to see the political, social and economic context in which film is created, viewed, and understood. Some of the issues to be discussed include: the black aesthetic; representations of the black family, religion, and gender/sexuality by Hollywood vs. independent black films; the changing black image in film over time; the business and economics of filmmaking. Prerequisite(s): sophomore standing or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: AFST 227;FILM 227;HIST 227; IC; PI; M. Roy-Fequiere; K. Hamilton

AMST 241 Social Movements

Analysis of the origins, strategies and political impact of social movements. Readings focus mainly on American movements including the Civil Rights movement, the Gay and Lesbian movement, the Labor movement and the Christian Right. Cross Listing: PS 241; PI; D. Oldfield

AMST 248 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

AMST 259 America in the 1960s

The 1960s was one of the defining periods in American history, when great conflict served to reveal fundamental elements of the American character. American values and practices regarding sex and race, poverty and justice, apathy and activism, violence and peace, drugs, music, and other issues all came under intense scrutiny during this era. This class immerses students in the "sixties experience" - the events, ideas, values, sights and sounds of this exciting and important decade - and asks what this era reveals about America's past, present and future. Cross Listing: HIST 259; K. Hamilton

AMST 261 American Art, Architecture and Culture

This course is a selected overview of the history of American art from the late eighteenth century through the mid-twentieth century with an emphasis on art as part of a larger material culture related to political, socio-economic and intellectual trends. A major concern is the contribution of visual culture to the conceptualization of American national identity in light of changing views associated with nature, labor, race, gender and sexuality. A special topical issue is the influence of American Transcendental and Pragmatist philosophy on the development of artistic styles and themes. Prerequisite(s): ART 105 or 106, and/or HIST 160 or 161 are recommended; Cross Listing: ART 261; G. Gilbert

AMST 267 Great American Debates

This course examines the way in which debate has informed American history - the issues that inhabitants of the continent have found pressing; the means by which they have articulated and advanced their perspectives; and the consequences of their successes and failures over time. By focusing on one broad issue - such as women's rights, election to political office, or abolitionism - this course examines debate as a cultural creation and explores connections between present-day debates and those of the past. Cross Listing: HIST 267; Course may be repeated for credit; C. Denial

AMST 285 In Search of America

This course will survey the fundamental issues, methods, and perspectives in the field of American Studies. Course readings include theoretical and methodological works, foundational documents, and selected examples of representative new scholarship in the field. Students will also analyze feature films, music, and radio and film documentaries. This class is intended for American Studies majors, minors, and any student interested in the serious study of American culture and society. Prerequisite(s): sophomore standing or above; K. Hamilton

AMST 295 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of American Studies not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

AMST 325 Beyond Stereotypes: Exploring Literature by Chicanas

During the past two decades Chicana writers have produced an innovative literature that not only dialogues with the male Chicano literary tradition, but vibrantly asserts its own core themes and stylistic and thematic contributions. We examine the innovative narrative, poetry and essay production of Chicana writers such as Gloria Anzaldua, Lorna Dee Cervantes, Elena Viramontes, Sandra Cisneros, Lucha Corpi among many others. Prerequisite(s): junior standing; Cross Listing: GWST 325; M. Roy-Fequiere

AMST 328 Race & Gender in the U.S. Welfare State

This course examines how political, economic, and cultural ideologies regarding race and gender work(ed) to frame the conception and creation of both the U.S. Welfare State and U.S. welfare policy. We will engage these ideas through an historical exploration of the ways that the U.S. Welfare State was enacted, framed, and codified through policy. In addition we will analyze how the creation of the Welfare State and its subsequent policies reflect American identity and cultural norms, and reinforce social inequities along racial and gendered lines. Prerequisite(s): ANSO 103 and Junior standing or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ANSO 328; Staff

AMST 348 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

AMST 390 Senior Research Project (.0)

Majors shall produce a significant research project that addresses the general issues of American identity, uses primary sources, and is consistent with the spirit of the student's educational plan essay. Acceptable examples include an honors project (AMST 400), independent study (AMST 350), or 300-level research project in any department (students will also register their project under the 0 credit designation, AMST 390). All projects must be pre-approved by the chair of the program, and are subject to review upon completion by the chair or designated representative before receiving credit. To be pre-approved the project must meet college standards for writing intensive (W) courses. Staff

AMST 392 Oral Presentation (.0)

Majors shall acquire the oral presentation skills appropriate to the field of American Studies through completing a project that fosters honest and reasoned discussion on issues of fundamental American values, problems, and issues, outside formal coursework. All projects must be pre-approved by the chair of the program, and are subject to review upon completion by the chair or designated representative before receiving credit (students will register their project under the 0 credit designation, AMST 392). To be pre-approved the project must meet college standards for oral presentation (O) courses. Examples of acceptable presentations could include: debates and panel discussions; individual presentations - e.g. papers, art shows, recitals; radio show production and hosting on Knox radio station (WVKC 90.7). Staff

AMST 395 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of American Studies not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

AMST 400 Advanced Studies (1/2 or 1)

See College Honors Program. Staff