Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

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AMST0109A-S25

U.S. Origin Stories

U.S. Origin Stories
Some U.S. origin stories cast (white) Americans as chosen people, discoverers of a bountiful continent, their community a beacon of righteousness to the world. Other stories locate the nation's origins in slavery or in settler colonialism. One story celebrates America’s founding commitment to freedom, equality, and justice - principles which, in turn, sustain another origin story – that of America as a nation borne of and welcoming to immigrants. Origin stories might be foundational, but their meanings are never fixed. In this course we will explore the elasticity and persistence of origin stories, evident in current debates about whether U.S. history begins in 1619 or 1776, about migrant rights, about the self-determination of indigenous peoples, about white nationalism, and about U.S. global leadership. 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
21864
Subject Code:
AMST
Course Number:
0109
Section Identifier:
A

Course

AMST 0109

All Sections in Spring 2025

Spring 2025

AMST0109A-S25 Lecture (Allen)