Course Overview

Welcome to your first semester in the College Park Scholars American Cultures Program. We will spend this semester considering the culture(s) of the US. We will do so through discussions of readings, films, guest lectures, and various extra-classroom excursions, such as a trip to the theater and a walking tour of Washington DC. This semester we are using the politics of food and drink as a lens through which to view American Culture. We will consider how and why we choose the foods we consume and what our dinner plates, grocery bills, and choices in beverage can teach us about who we are as Americans.

Course requirements

Daily participation: The purpose of the colloquium is discussion. You will meet every week to discuss what you have read or watched or visited. In order for discussions to be productive, everyone needs to do the reading, watch the films, go on the excursions, etc. Come prepared for class and come ready to participate.

Since the purpose of class is discussion, you shouldn't need your laptops for notetaking or any other reasons. Leave them in your bags. The same goes for cell phones. Turn them off and leave them in your bags. Please do not disrespect your instructors and classmates by sending and reading text messages in class. Cell phones and laptops away at all times.

Some of the topics we will discuss are controversial. Come prepared to listen and discuss with respect for others' beliefs. Come prepared to respond in writing to what you have read/seen. We will likely have in-class writing assignments and dreaded pop quizzes.

Assignments: In addition to regular attendance and participation, you will be expected to write four one-page response papers, give a group presentation, and write a three-page final reflection paper. See accompanying sheet for more information. You will also be expected to participate in at least two of four possible field trips.

Additional Policies

Attendance/Lateness: Attendance at colloquium is required. Absence due to illness, religious observance, participation in University-sponsored activities, and compelling circumstances beyond your control will be excused. If you need to miss class for any reason, please contact Delores or Nancy as soon as you know you will be absent. Students may not make up quizzes or other assignments missed due to unexcused absences.

Special Circumstances: If you have a registered disability that requires accommodation, please speak with Delores or Nancy about it immediately. If you have a disability you have not yet registered with Disability Support Services (in the Shoemaker Building), please do so immediately (314-7682 or 405-7683 TTY/TTD). Should other special circumstances affect your work this semester, please let us know as soon as possible. Come to us for help before things get out of hand.

Academic Integrity: The academic community is built on honesty. We take academic integrity very seriously. Plagiarism, submitting someone else's work as your own, submitting your own work completed for another class without the instructors' permission, cheating, signing in for an absent student, or otherwise violating the University's code of Academic Integrity will not be tolerated and will result in immediate referral to the Honor Council. For further details, please see the University's Policies Regarding Academic Integrity Online: http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/code.html

Syllabus
This syllabus is subject to change. Changes will be announced in class. You are responsible for any and all changes to the syllabus. Readings and/or film screenings are to be completed by the day listed on the syllabus.
Date	In Class	To Prepare
Sept 4	Course introduction
Sept 11	What is American Culture?	What is American culture? - Asia Times Individualism v. Groups, American Political Culture Identity and Immigration
Sept 18	The Meaning of Food
Sept 25	Food: A Historical Perspective	A Revolution In Eating, "Introduction" The United States of Arugula "Pizza"
Oct 2	Food: An Ethnic Perspective	A Revolution In Eating, "Hoppin' John" "Tortillas like Mamas, But this is no Bodega"
Oct 9	Drink	American Beer (film) A Revolution In Eating, Section on brewing
Oct 16	Class Cancelled
Oct 23	Food and culture Guest Speaker: Dr. Psyche Williams-Forson, UM American Studies Dept	Please bring a food that you think someone from another race, ethnicity, culture, or sexual orientation would eat. We will use these items to spark discussion
Oct 30	The New Bread Basket	Omnivore's Dilemma, "Introduction," Section on Farms and Farming [Suggested optional reading: Reefer Madness' section on farming marijuana]
Nov 6	Food Policy	"Amber Waves of Bland" "Red State Welfare" "Hunger and Food Stamps" "Corn Farms Prosper"
Nov 13	Labor: The Human Cost of Eating Out	Fast Food Nation, Selections: "Kenny," section on the immigrant worker
Nov 20	Labor and Immigration: Food Industries and Resistance	"A Top Chef's Kitchen Is Far Too Hot, Some Workers Say" "Where Delivery is A Mainstay, A Rebellion Over Pay" I Like Killing Flies (film)
Nov 27	Presentations
Dec 4	Presentations
Dec 11	Presentations