Middlebury

FYSE 1354

The American Dream

The American Dream: Fact or Fantasy?
This seminar is designed for non-native speakers of English, and aims to answer the question, “What is the American Dream?” We will consider the ways that the American Dream has been conceptualized by historians, politicians, journalists, activists, and artists. We will read works by authors such as Alexis de Tocqueville, James Baldwin, Betty Friedan, Howard Zinn, Maya Angelou, Julia Alvarez, and Jennifer Hochschild. Film screenings include How the West Was Won (1962) and Crash (2004). Students will develop a range of skills for academic speaking, reading, and research, and will write multiple drafts of short and long papers. 3 hrs. sem.
Subject:
First Year Seminar
Department:
First-Year Seminar Program
Division:
Interdisciplinary
Requirements Fulfilled:
CW NOR SOC

Sections in Fall 2011

Fall 2011

FYSE1354A-F11 Seminar (Shapiro)