This course sets to examine the contemporary American society in all its complexity. It covers the key dimensions of the population including race, ethnicity, gender, social class and economy, religion and politics. The focus will be on the present society, but historical context will be also provided to achieve a better and nuanced understanding of the American people. These issues will be discussed on the basis of academic papers, research results, newspaper articles as well as contemporary cinema productions. The larger goal of the course is to teach how to critically observe, analyze, evaluate and judge competing perspectives on American culture, history and society. Our classroom work will be enriched by film viewing, exposure to selected American paintings as well as visits of American guests.
- Teacher: Elżbieta Wilczyńska