124071 VO Culture, Society and the Media (2014S)

This survey lecture course sets out to provide the background in history, geography, demography ("race" and ethnicity) and popular culture necessary for a deeper understanding of USAmerican life and arts in a foreign-language-learning context. Special sessions will deal with the political, social and cultural realities of selected Native American/Indian tribes/nations and their (mis)representation in literature and film. We will also consider topical issues of the day -- and all along the way, we will look at the many historical and ideological differences (and similarities) between the United States and Canada.