Summer 2006

AMS w315 • The American Military at Home-W

Course Description

PRIMARILY FOR STUDENTS IN THE SUMMER FRESHMAN CLASS AND TO STUDENTS ADMITTED IN THE SUMMER. CLASS MEETS JUNE 12-AUGUST 10, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

With thousands of American troops deployed in the Middle East, the plight of the American military family receives almost daily media attention. The pain of separation, the difficulties of reunion, and the financial strain of deployments are the leading concerns of this coverage. But what about these families' lives in peacetime? What do their lives look like then? This course addresses these questions. It begins with an historical and theoretical look at how military service has interacted with social status and citizenship. It continues with an exploration of how our "militarized" society has developed since WW II, and its expression in the American cultural and physical landscape. Finally, it will turn to issues facing families with members in the Armed Forces, with all of its benefits and challenges.

Texts

Ceremony, Leslie Marmon Silko Civil Defense Begins at Home, Laura McEnaney Blue Sky Dream, David Beers Homefires Burning, Karen Houppert

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