Required for students with a concentration in American Studies. Instead of the traditional approach of reading a book and viewing a film of the same book, this course will focus on the complex processes of representing specific cultural trends or themes in writing and on film. Each week we will explore a social theme through the reading of a novel or story and the viewing of a film. Students will view The French Lieutenant's Woman, The Godfather, Schindler's List, To Kill a Mockingbird, All the President's Men, and Tea and Sympathy. Topics include political obligation, justice, feminism, individuality, friendship, community, civil disobedience, power, others.
Case studies range from politics to religion, gender to social class, and high art to low funk.