The American South

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The South is among the most important, yet most misrepresented regions of the United States. This course explores many aspects of southern life, culture, politics and history from colonial times to the present day, focusing on the nature and extent of southern distinctiveness.

The South has a reputation for violence, racism, sexism and other forms of bigotry, but also for friendliness, hospitality, popular culture, and a strong commitment to family, heritage, and community. The course will examine how these understandings and misunderstandings of the South came into being and changed over time.

There are no special requirements for this course but an interest in history or American culture might be useful.