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AM ST 304

American Studies Methodologies and Writing Practices

International and Area Studies Kennedy Center for International Studies

Course Description

Offers students a practical grounding in American Studies methodologies and approaches to writing.

When Taught

Winter

Grade Rule

Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)

Min

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

0

Title

Analyze Rigorously

Learning Outcome

Students will be able to read critically and analyze a variety of cultural texts and artifacts using the theoretical approaches central to the field of American Studies. Students will develop the skills necessary to analyze their peers' writing and their own writing with an eye towards composition and revision.

Title

Communicate Persuasively

Learning Outcome

Students will construct a conference length (8-10 page) paper employing purposeful rhetorical moves, responsible research strategies, and American Studies methods to develop a coherent and logical argument that makes a significant claim. Students will mature as writers as they devise productive and flexible individual and collaborative processes of writing, including methods for gathering evidence, organizing their argument, prewriting, drafting, revising, editings, proofreading, and peer reviewing. 

Title

Engage Disciplinarily and Interdisciplinarily

Learning Outcome

Students will be able to define American Studies as a distinct discipline with its own intellectual history, analytical strategies, and scholarly methodologies even as they draw from and converse with other disciplines examining the American experience.