SYLLABUS
Course overview
-The purpose of this class is to introduce students to a broad picture of American culture and society. The main emphasis is made on contemporary America: its beliefs, values, traditions, geography, political and economic situation, education, religious and social life, etc. Attention will be given to the impact of history on these phenomena.
-This course will help students to gain a better understanding of American culture, its underlying characteristics and to develop their language skills (listening, reading, speaking); it also stimulates cross-cultural approach to American studies. Students will be encouraged to compare and contrast U.S. culture and society to their own
-This course will help students to gain a better understanding of American culture, its underlying characteristics and to develop their language skills (listening, reading, speaking); it also stimulates cross-cultural approach to American studies. Students will be encouraged to compare and contrast U.S. culture and society to their own
Subjects Covered (in order)
-What is culture? How do we talk about culture?--Using the concept of “Verstehen” to understand culture
-Brief History/Dialects of American English
-System of government, separation of church and state
-The Ingredients of the Melting Pot/History of Immigration—Immigration trends
-Race, Ethnicity and Class
-The education system
-Life Cycle, Family and Gender
-Economics/Consumerism
-Mass Media/Popular culture/Social Media
-US impact in the globalized world.
-Brief History/Dialects of American English
-System of government, separation of church and state
-The Ingredients of the Melting Pot/History of Immigration—Immigration trends
-Race, Ethnicity and Class
-The education system
-Life Cycle, Family and Gender
-Economics/Consumerism
-Mass Media/Popular culture/Social Media
-US impact in the globalized world.
Course Material
-Copy material which you can make copies of at the copy hut
-Handouts which will be handed out in class.
-Handouts which will be handed out in class.
Learning outcomes
-Identify cultural characteristics and values of the USA culture and society.
-Interpret cultural phenomena and manifestations using the concept of “Verstehen”.
-Use popular culture to analyze the United States' cultural characteristics and values. Cultural phenomena for study includes: popular and ethnic music, sports, television, advertising and film.
-Interpret cultural phenomena and manifestations using the concept of “Verstehen”.
-Use popular culture to analyze the United States' cultural characteristics and values. Cultural phenomena for study includes: popular and ethnic music, sports, television, advertising and film.
Guiding Principles
-Culture is not static, it is in constant transformation. The core societal values constantly change and reflect life styles and social movements.
-Society are the people who practice the culture
-To understand the present, we need to look and analyze the past because the historical past of cultures contain the keys in the analysis and understanding of the origin of core cultural characteristics and values.
-Popular culture is expressed in objects, activities and communicative media. These offers significant insights for cultural understanding, history and humanity in general.
**Plagiarism Policy: Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words, or artistic, scientific or technical work as one’s own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible ONLY when the original author is identified and cited appropriately. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citation of the original source. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for plagiarism. Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with the professor. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this course.
-Society are the people who practice the culture
-To understand the present, we need to look and analyze the past because the historical past of cultures contain the keys in the analysis and understanding of the origin of core cultural characteristics and values.
-Popular culture is expressed in objects, activities and communicative media. These offers significant insights for cultural understanding, history and humanity in general.
**Plagiarism Policy: Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words, or artistic, scientific or technical work as one’s own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible ONLY when the original author is identified and cited appropriately. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citation of the original source. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for plagiarism. Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with the professor. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this course.
Class Expectations
-The professor will come to class prepared. Students are also expected to be ready to start class on time and stay to the end of every class session. Attendance will be taken and is part of the grade.
-The professor and students will communicate in English at all times. This communication will demonstrate sensitivity and respect for all people—peers and the professor.
-Students are expected to participate in class by taking notes, sharing opinions, and commenting based on the assigned readings. Participation is part of the grade.
-Students must log into the online course at least twice during the week to read any assigned material. The professor will post these when necessary at least two days before the lesson date.
-The professor will respond to correspondence within two business days. Students are likewise expected to respond within two business days.
-Students are expected to manage their time wisely in order to complete their assignments on or before deadlines.
-Students will bring the following:
-notebook to use as a journal AND loose leaf paper for taking notes
-a folder in which to keep notes and handouts
-pencil and eraser and blue or black pen
-English dictionary (optional but highly recommended)
-Students will not use their mobile phones during class.
-Students will not commit plagiarism.
-The professor and students will communicate in English at all times. This communication will demonstrate sensitivity and respect for all people—peers and the professor.
-Students are expected to participate in class by taking notes, sharing opinions, and commenting based on the assigned readings. Participation is part of the grade.
-Students must log into the online course at least twice during the week to read any assigned material. The professor will post these when necessary at least two days before the lesson date.
-The professor will respond to correspondence within two business days. Students are likewise expected to respond within two business days.
-Students are expected to manage their time wisely in order to complete their assignments on or before deadlines.
-Students will bring the following:
-notebook to use as a journal AND loose leaf paper for taking notes
-a folder in which to keep notes and handouts
-pencil and eraser and blue or black pen
-English dictionary (optional but highly recommended)
-Students will not use their mobile phones during class.
-Students will not commit plagiarism.
Grading
40% Final exam
40% Mid-term exam
10% Attendance/Participation/Homework
10% Paper/Project
40% Mid-term exam
10% Attendance/Participation/Homework
10% Paper/Project