Listed in: American Studies, as AMST-221
Francis G. Couvares (Section 01)
Molly Mead (Section 01)
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 Couvares and Ms. Mead, Director of the Center for Community Engagement.
Section 01
M 12:00 PM - 01:20 PM CHAP 101
W 12:00 PM - 01:20 PM CHAP 101
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| When a Heart Turns Rock Solid | Pantheon | Timothy Black | Amherst Books | TBD | ||
| y no se lo trago la tierra/...And the Earth Did Not Devour Him | Arte Publico Press | Tomas Rivera | Amherst Books | TBD | ||
| Civil Society | Polity Press | Michael Edwards | Amherst Books | TBD | ||
| My Name is Child of God...Not "Those People': A First Person Look at Poverty | Augsburg Fortress Publishers | Julia K. Dinsmore | Amherst Books | TBD | ||
| In Peace and Harmony: Carver Portraits | Visual Arts Center of Richmond | Wendy Ewald | Amherst Books | TBD |
These books are available locally at Amherst Books.