230171 Introduction to American Civilization (S) (WiSe 2004/2005)

For better or worse, the United States is the dominant power in today's world. Its culture has infiltrated the culture of every other nation in a variety of ways and its actions on the world stage affect everyone. This course will explore the ideas, attitudes, habits and cultural products that are "Made in America" and will seek to place them in a broader social context, taking into account geography, history, institutions, demographics and politics. We will start by looking at the 2004 Presidential Election and the issues it raises and then go on to look at what is behind current concerns and how we can understand "where the American people are coming from" (both geographically and ideologically) with their diverse problems, preferences and values. Everyone has heard about "the American Dream", this course will attempt to interpret a multiplicity of American dreams, nightmares, and unavoidable realities. There will be regular reading assignments and a final examination.

Recommended preparation - watch CNN and read the International Herald Tribune (www.iht.com) or the New York Times (www.nytimes.com ) regularly, also Time and/or Newsweek magazines.