A survey of the ways in which Americans have discussed their existence as a distinct nation their rights and obligations, and the legitimate modes of political action open to them. Readings cover the 17th through the 20th centuries and may include discussion of sermons, novels, philosophy, social and political theory, autobiographies, declassified government planning documents, Congressional testimony, and films.

Starting in the late 1960s with the foundation of the NEA and PBS, we will analyze the rhetoric around government funding of the arts in the United States. From the Culture Wars of the 1990s—in which the work of many feminist and LGBTQ+ artists was labeled obscene—through to current anti-woke book-banning campaigns, we will examine what is deemed controversial in the art world, how it is discussed, and the political repercussions of government/public funding of the arts.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills