This class focuses on the United States of America, but is explicitly a comparative. I do not believe that you can answer the question, "Is America Different?" to say nothing of the harder question, "Why?" without explicitly comparing this country with other similar countries. The course, then, may count for Political Science and International Affairs credit under the categories of either "American" or "Comparative" depending on the particular research project the student chooses to pursue (see below).
Requirements: Because this is intended as a small discussion seminar it is imperative that all students read each week's assignment before class. Each of you will be required to send a short "thought question" to me (via email) at least 24 hours before the class meets. Thought questions should be a few sentences to a few paragraphs on the week's reading, raising issues about the readings, questions, or points that you would like to have discussed in class. They should be no more than one page each. These thought questions are mostly intended to 1) give me a good understanding of where you are with the readings, what you got out of them and what you found most troubling or puzzling, and, 2) make sure you do the readings before class. These thought questions will be graded. They will count for 15% of the class grade. Class participation will count for 15% of the class grade. Thoughtful, considered and active participation will be rewarded.
During the fourth week of class we will have a debate on "Is America Different?". Students will be expected to write an approximately five page essay on American Exceptionalism (differences or non-differences) in preparation for this debate and distribute this paper to the other students via the class WEB page at least 24 hours before the class. You will be encouraged to work in teams. This paper will count for 15% of the class grade.
The major assignments for the class will be a research project and student led seminars. Each student will choose (in consultation with the professor) a research project on some aspect of "American Exceptionalism." The possible range of topics possible here is quite large and I am looking forward to seeing a wide variety. Some examples might include:
· The Colonial Experience in the United States and Canada (or
Australia);
· Why Is the US the only rich democracy that doesn't have National Health
Insurance?;
· Why does the US have the smallest welfare state in the industrial
world?;
· What is 'The American Character?'
· Why is there so much violence in America?
· What does "Americanization" mean? And is it real?
· Comparing Attitudes in the United States and Europe (or Japan)
· Have we reached the End of the American frontier? etc. etc..
These are only some examples that come to my mind easily. The objective will be to find topics that you personally find fascinating. I expect to meet with each of you several times during the semester to help you focus your topics, and achieve a project that is both 'doable' and interesting. These research papers should be approximately 20 to 25 pages in length. The research paper will count for 40% of the class grade. The will be due during the final class period.
Each student will also be required to 'lead' the class discussion on her/his topic. The last five weeks of the semester will be devoted to the student led seminars. These seminars will not be "presentations" of your work. Instead I expect you to choose the readings for this class period and to lead the class discussions during this period. (Don't worry, I will give each of you training in seminar leadership and the Socratic method, as well has help you choose the week's reading when necessary.) Seminar leadership and assigned readings will count for 15% of the class grade.
Required readings:
There are three required texts. In addition, there will be readings assigned by your student colleagues towards the end of the semester.
The required texts are:
Graham Wilson: Only In America?
Seymour Martin Lipset: American Exceptionalism: A Double Edged Sword
David Potter: A People of Plenty
Students will be expected to copy and distribute copies of the readings that they assign for their class sessions at least one week before their session commences.
Course Outline:
August 26: Introduction: Who are we and what is this course about?
Sept. 2: No Class meeting
Sept. 9: American Exceptionalism Explored. Readings: Lipset, pp1-77; Wilson, v-17.
Sept. 16: Is America Different? A debate. Student 5 page papers on "Is America Different?" due on line 24 hours before class. Class session will be a structured debate on American exceptionalism.
Sept. 23: Why is America Different? Culture? Readings: Lipset, pp.77-112; Wilson, pp 17-40.
Sept. 30: Why is America Different? Institutions? Readings: Wilson 103-126, Steinmo, "Culture or Institutions?" On WEB
Oct. 7: Why is America Different? Wealth? Readings: Potter, pp.75-128;
Oct 14: Why is America Different? The Frontier? Readings: Potter, pp. 128-210
Oct. 21: Exceptions to Exceptionalism? Reading: Lipset, 113-210
Oct. 28: : The Implications of Exceptionalism: Readings: Lipset, 267-297; Wilson, 86-103;
Nov. 4: Student led seminar. Readings to be assigned
Nov. 11: Student led seminar. Readings to be assigned
Nov. 18: Student led seminar. Readings to be assigned
Nov. 25: No class, Thanksgiving
Dec. 2: Student led seminar. Readings to be assigned
Dec. 9: Conclusion.