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.
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.
- Term:
- Spring 2025
- Location:
- Axinn Center 105(AXN 105)
- Schedule:
- 11:15am-12:30pm on Monday, Wednesday (Feb 10, 2025 to May 12, 2025)
- Type:
- Lecture
- Course Modality:
- In-Person
- Instructors:
- Holly Allen
- Subject:
- American Studies
- Department:
- Program in American Studies
- Division:
- Interdisciplinary
- Requirements Fulfilled:
- AMR CW HIS
- Levels:
- Undergraduate
- Availability:
- View availability, prerequisites, and other requirements.
- Course Reference Number (CRN):
- 21864
- Subject Code:
- AMST
- Course Number:
- 0109
- Section Identifier:
- A