American Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the history and culture of the United States and its peoples. In the seminar we will read literary texts — poems, short stories, essays, and novels. We will also explore the historical settings, and the cultural background for literary and historical texts through reading, and the study of music, art, and film. Students wishing to join the seminar should be committed to developing the capacity for advanced level academic work in English, and will be expected to write two major research projects in order to graduate. In recent years, members of the seminar have worked on such authors as Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Toni Morrison, Kate Chopin, and Zora Neale Hurston.
Note: "Zemi Kengaku" will be held on Wednesday, 10 November, fourth and fifth periods in Room 301. I will arrange for interviews following the orientation session and will ask all students interested in joining the seminar to join the interactive web site I've set up for new zemi members:
To learn more about the work we've been doing in the American Studies Seminar, check out the American Studies Resources page.