I think American cultures courses are a necessity. They always serve to complicate my perceptions of history, as well as other contemporary issues, while forcing me to think critically. I enjoyed this course very much. This class made me aware of the struggles that minorities had to go through and are still struggling through. And also not to judge a book by its cover.
Movies are accessible and a popular form of media consumed by students.
Opened up my eyes to the media use of films in terms of reflecting a certain ethnicity, their perspectives, how stereotypes are handled, etc. Issue of how stereotypes are disseminated and also countered. As an American studies major emphasizing in popular culture course like this one are invaluable. With changing California environment both culturally and politically, it is sometimes difficult to find one's individual path, course or direction. I have been able to evaluate the new political arena in California with a more informed and thoughtful approach.