100 State and Society in the U.S.
This course introduces students to the basic elements of state and society in the United States, from basic tenets of governance to broader elements of historical and contemporary identity and culture in American life. Its underlying theme is the historical struggle between "pluribus" and "unum," as reflected in the U.S. motto "E pluribus unum" (out of the many, one): how well has the United States sustained itself as a singular noun? How have the demands of diversity - a welcome but always-contested expansion of the "we" in "we, the people" - been reflected in government, the arts, popular culture, the media, or for that matter daily neighborhood life? These topics will be addressed in both classroom sessions and "study tours" that may include travel to Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Along the way, the course also seeks to model key pedagogies common in the liberal arts classroom, emphasizing discussion, collaboration, close reading, and, in conjunction with WRPG 101, U.S. Research Writing for International Students.
Offered in Summer only during the International Student Summer Institute. Open to international students immediately prior to their enrollment at Dickinson as first-year matriculants. One-half course. Co-requisite: WRPG 101.