Dorota Juźwin
INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN STUDIES FALL 2008
1. Course Description and Objectives
This is an interdisciplinary course exploring a variety of topics related to American history, government, society and culture. The goal of this course is to help students obtain a general knowledge of the society and institutions of the United States.
2. Requirements and Grade Distribution
In order to benefit from each class and be well prepared for your tests, you should read all relevant material and attend all classes. Your grade in this semester will be based on two tests and your attendance record. You must obtain two passing grades in order to get a credit.
3. Course Outline (tentative)
October 4, 2008 Introduction; course policy
The First Settlers
October 18, 2008 The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
The Government (1)
November 8, 2008 The Government (2)
November 22, 2008 The Government (3)
Political Parties in the United States
December 6, 2008 TEST #1 (MIDTERM)
American Symbols
December 20, 2008 The U.S. Economy (1)
January 10, 2009 The U.S. Economy (2)
January 24, 2009 Education
February 7, 2009 TEST #2 (FINAL)
4. Selected bibliography
Blanchard, Karan and Christine Root. American Roots: Readings on U.S. Cultural History. White Plains, NY: Pearson Education, 2001.
Earle-Carlin, Susan and Colleen Hildebrand. American Perspectives: Readings on Contemporary U.S. Culture. White Plains, NY: Pearson Education, 2000.
Fiedler, Eckhard, Jansen Reimer and Mil Norman-Risch. America in Close-Up. Longman Group UK Limited, 1990.
O'Callaghan, Bryn. An Illustrated History of the USA. Longman Group UK Limited, 1990.
Stevenson, Douglas K. American Life and Institutions. Revised Edition. Stuttgart: Ernst Klett Verlag, 1996.
Tiersky, Ellen and Martin Tiersky. The U.S.A.: Customs and Institutions. Fourth Edition. White Plains, NY: Pearson Education, 2001.