Spring 2013

Building Community

Listed in: American Studies, as AMST-221

Faculty

Molly Mead (Section 01)
Karen J. Sanchez-Eppler (Section 01)

Description

This course investigates the practice and ideal of community in America both on a national and a local level, asking students to engage in specific projects aimed at strengthening the public sphere and fostering community life. We will consider the nature and limits of democracy, the meaning of belonging, the experience of stigma and exclusion, the concepts of civic responsibility and public discourse, and the conflict and compromises inherent in political advocacy. This course will pay particular attention to the struggles of often-marginalized groups to build healthy and just communities. Coursework will include contemporary and historical case studies, literary depictions, and more theoretical readings, as well as a substantial commitment to the development and fulfillment of projects that assess or respond to contemporary concerns. Projects may range from youth work, to cultural events, to work on local policy goals, environmental, poverty and rights initiatives, or the 2012 elections.

Limited to 20 students. Spring semester. Professor K. Sánchez-Eppler and Ms. Mead, Director of the Center for Community Engagement.

AMST 221 - L/D

Section 01
M 08:30 AM - 09:50 AM WEBS 220
W 08:30 AM - 09:50 AM WEBS 220

This is preliminary information about books for this course. Please contact your instructor or the Academic Coordinator for the department, before attempting to purchase these books.

ISBN Title Publisher Author(s) Comment Book Store Price
My Name is Child of God...Not 'Those People': A First Person Look at Poverty Julia Dinsmore Amherst Books TBD
On Strike and On Film: Mexican American Families and Blacklisted Filmmakers in Cold War America Ellen Baker Amherst Books TBD
In Peace and Harmony: Carver Portraits Wendy Ewald Amherst Books TBD
When a Heart Turns Rock Solid Timothy Black Amherst Books TBD
y no se lo trago la tierra/...And the Earth Did Not Devour Him Tomas Rivera Amherst Books TBD

These books are available locally at Amherst Books.

Offerings

2024-25: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017