Watching Americans

From dreams of expansion to dreams of citizenship, this course will investigate the narrative that is the American Dream through films representative of U. S. American society. Students will study the behaviors, styles, and values of a variety of generations and subcultures in order to gain an understanding of the national identity as well as the evolution of these expressions. We will consider films, TV shows, comic books, historical documents, and articles concerning a variety of voices reflecting the American Dream. Throughout the course this seminar will offer an introduction to U.S. American culture through interdisciplinary texts representing American life from the 1920s to the present. We will combine knowledge of film, history, and literature to reflect on society's hopes and points of pride, conflicts with mainstream identity, and even failed visions. Over the course of the semester, we will watch several signature films from American history and examine messages, beliefs, and values. Students will have the option of making a short film at the end of the semester.

NOTE: This course is offered 100% online and asynchronous (no required meeting time).

Course Details
Prefix: 
UCO
Course Number: 
1200
Section Number(s) and Day/Times Taught: 
126: TBA offered 100%online/asynchronous
193: TBA offered 100% online/asynchronous
301: TBA online NOTE: This course is only available to App State Online students.
302: TBA online Note: This course is only available to App State Online students.
Term: 
Fall 2024
Categories: 
The Arts
Global Issues
Well-Being
Instructor(s)

Kirsten Clemens

KC Clemens focuses her research on Youth Culture, Children's and Young Adult Films and Literature, Global Kids, Generational Theory, Latina/o Literature, and Popular Culture. She has taught courses in film, writing, and culture at ASU since 2010. Within the First Year Seminar program, she has designed and taught a course called "Young Americans" which focuses on 100 years of youth culture and utilizes films, articles, historical documents, graphic novels, and stories.

In her free time she enjoys going to museums, aquariums, galleries, and historical sites. She is currently saving up to go to the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Warner Bros Studio in London. Formerly, she has cared for severely special needs dogs (with liver, kidney, bladder, and seizure issues), but is now taking a break. She is still part of a Global community that raises awareness about pets with chronic diseases.