IHSS 1776 - The American Dream

The term “American Dream” is familiar, but what role, specifically, does the imaginative play in American literature and culture, past and present? This course focuses on the power of imagination to shape a nation through the analysis of fiction, poetry, film, essays, comics, advertising, and historical documents. We will use diverse social histories as a means to explore contemporary experience, focusing on the tension between American dreams and American realities. Requirements include reading/viewing responses, student presentations, and a semester capstone assignment that allows students to choose between a textual or multimedia project.

When Offered: Fall and spring term annually