American Studies – English

This required, team-taught humanities course synthesizes literature and history using Harkness discussions and a competency-based approach to answer the essential question: “What makes America, America?”

Introduction to Journalism/Yearbook

Learn the “Missouri Method” of learning by doing, studying storytelling using journalistic writing and photojournalism while contributing to the annual Eight Acres yearbook.

Photojournalism/Yearbook

Build on foundational skills by designing, producing, and marketing the yearbook using advanced skills in theme design, graphic design, and Adobe Suite/InDesign.

Revolutionary America

Investigate the reality, fiction, and fantasy surrounding the Kennedy Assassination and other popular American conspiracies to understand the growing friction between individuals and traditional power structures.

Hidden History: National Security

Examine America’s foreign policy towards the Global South since 1945, analyzing primary sources to determine whether “national security” creates or subverts a democratic world order.

Making of the Modern World

Journey into the heart of America’s most severe man-made ecological disaster, unraveling the intricate web of economic and environmental factors to understand humanity’s complex relationship with the land.

Cold War Anxiety

Inspect literature and film to understand the intense global anxiety created by the dawn of the Nuclear Age, exploring the conflict between the US and the Soviet Union as a deep psychological struggle.

American Federal Government

This interdisciplinary course provides a comprehensive understanding of American governance by exploring contemporary issues like social justice, environmental policy, and the media’s role in shaping public opinion.

Conspiracy Thinking

Investigate significant historical developments and genocides across Latin America and Asia, applying the historical method to analyze sources and develop evidence-based interpretations.

The History of Domestic Terrorism

Analyze the history of homegrown terrorism from the late 19th century to today, delving into plots to better recognize and process future threats, ideal for students interested in law and criminology.