An investigation of how race and ethnicity as cultural and political categories in the United States are materially anchored in specific sets of social relations. Of particular import is the concept of whiteness as a racial category, and its connection to racism and national oppression. Enrollment limited to 15. Independent study of selected topics by individual students. Students must meet periodically with faculty and complete papers or projects.
Students are limited to one independent study per semester.
Written permission of the instructor is required. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, all majors write an extended essay that utilizes the methods of at least two disciplines. Students register for American Cultural Studies 457 in the fall semester and for American Cultural Studies 458 in the winter semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both American Cultural Studies 457 and 458. Short Term Units s18.