AMST 100YIntroduction to American Studies

3 credits · American Studies · Penn State

A study of selected attempts to identify and interpret movements and patterns in American culture. AMST100Y Introduction to American Studies (3) (GH)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. AMST 100 is a broad-ranging introduction to American culture. While specific topics may vary from class to class, the course examines what "America" means and what it means to be "American." These issues will be examined form a variety of perspectives: literature, history, politics, film, race, gender, and geography. The course is often broken down into discussion sections to facilitate student discussion of the material and the lecture. Requirements generally include community service projects, and students will be evaluated on essay tests, papers, journal entries and attendance. AMST 100 (or AMST 105 ) is a requirement for the American Studies major and minor, and offers students valuable experience in critical thinking, analysis, and writing. Non-American Studies majors and minors may use this course to fulfill a general education or Bachelor of Arts-Humanities credits. The course offers students a broad introduction to American culture, also serves as preparation for more advanced courses in American studies, American literature, and American history, in particular.