131-458 American Nation

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history, or admission to fourth year combined honours in American studies.

This subject critically considers aspects of American nation and identity from the birth of the 'American Nation' until the present day. Topics will focus on moments when the American people have crystallised or contested their idea of 'nation', such as the Revolution, the Spanish-American War, the New Deal period and the 1960s. Students should complete the subject having encountered some classic sites of American national representation, for example, the national imagery produced by the New Deal agencies in the 1930s, Hollywood nationalism of different eras, contemporary political rhetoric, and with an ability to read these sites within and against the debates in American studies. Students will also explore various ways in which Americans have represented themselves and their nation through film, literature or popular culture. Broad themes include: the inclusiveness of the American nation (who was left out?), the myths surrounding the American Nation (are Americans really 'free'?) and how nations perceive America from the outside. We will examine images or icons that are seen as defining American national identity such as the 'cowboy', the Revolutionary, Macdonalds and Route 66. America as a colonial power, the myths surrounding the American nation 'independence', 'the melting pot', the way it has been represented and defined through film and art. Inclusiveness of the American nation, who was left out? Whether it was ever truly representational or whether it is a broad construct which has no relevance to present-day American society.

Written work totalling 5000 words for 4th year, 5000 words and a class paper for masters students.

A subject reader will be available.