At the end of this course, the students; 1) examine the thought of major thinkers and writers in the U.S. from 1865 to the present and explore the manner in which this thought can be contextualized within a broader trans-Atlantic tradition. 2) think critically about historical issues and the manner in which they were treated by writers and thinkers in the past. 3) enhance their language skills, especially with regard to their ability to read, write, and speak using the English language.
MODE OF DELIVERY
Face to face
PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE
No
RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL PROGRAMME COMPONENT
COURSE DEFINITION
This course is designed to appreciate the American intellectual tradition from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to the present and to investigate how a variety of intellectuals interpreted, analyzed, critiqued, and contributed to major events in late American history. The topics this course covers are the plight of African Americans and minority groups and their struggle for civil rights, feminist thought and American women?s struggle for equality, industrialization, immigration, multiculturalism, communism, globalization, and war and peace in the world.
COURSE CONTENTS
WEEK
TOPICS
1st Week
Sociology, the Impact of Darwin, and Approaches to Social Issues Readings: W. G. Sumner vs. L. F. Ward
2nd Week
Debates over Gender and Civilizational Progress Readings: C. P. Gilman and Walter Lippmann REVIEW #1
3rd Week
Race and Ethnicity in Transnational America Readings: WEB Du Bois & Randolph Bourne REVIEW #2
4th Week
Pragmatism I Readings: Charles Peirce & William James REVIEW #3
5th Week
Pragmatism II Readings: John Dewey REVIEW #4
6th Week
The Social Scientist as Cultural Critic Readings: Margaret Mead REVIEW #5
7th Week
MIDTERM EXAMINATION
8th Week
Black Public Intellectuals Speak Out! Readings: M. L. King Jr. and Malcolm X REVIEW #6
