211

UGC 211  - American Pluralism

Professor Carrie  Tirado Bramen

MWF   3:00 - 3:50

[University Honors Only]

This course explores and analyzes the powerful myths of the United States: the myths of the melting pot, success, education and empowerment and equal opportunity.  We will discuss the historical formation of these myths, how different epochs redefined and perpetuated notions of national identity and American exceptionalism.  We will also interrogate myths that circulate beyond and within the parameters of the nation, the everyday assumptions that seem natural and obvious, yet are so deeply a part of our lived experience that they escape reflection.  This includes the beauty myth, as well as myths surrounding race and sexuality.  I also incorporate in this discussion the naturalness of meat-eating:  how our daily decisions regarding diet have larger ethical and environmental implications.  We will discuss how these myths are perpetuated through the mass media, textbooks and through our daily encounters and relationships.

 

This class is provocative, lively and engaged.  It depends on class discussion.  My goal is not to persuade but to establish the basis for critical citizenship, where we become aware of our own role as ethical subjects within a larger public sphere.

 

Readings include:  Gary Colombo, ed. Rereading America (sixth edition), Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence; Naomi Wolf, The Beauty Myth; Deborah Tannen, Sex, Lies, and Conversation:  Why Is It So Hard for Men and Women to Talk to Each Other, Gloria Naylor, The Women of Brewster Place; Luis Rodriguez, Always Running: Gang Days In L.A.; and Peter Singer, Animal Liberation.

 

 Requirements: Two essays (5-7 pp.) and ten brief reading responses.

202

Technical Writing

Staff

MWF   3:00 - 3:50

Reg. No.  243296

Course description not available at this time.