Students will have the opportunity to develop or refine skills in critical inquiry, communication, cultural knowledge, and self-reflection that are traditionally associated with the life of the mind--and with the humanities and American Studies in particular. But, once acquired, these skills know no boundaries; they will be of tremendous service in a professional career, a business setting, within the family circle, and in activities pursued for personal enrichment.

There are six objectives for the course:

* To foster knowledge about American society and culture and the values and beliefs that have given meaning and shape to the experiences of its peoples.

* To introduce American Studies as a mode of interdisciplinary inquiry that cultivates "the connecting frame of mind."

* To develop skills in analysis, synthesis, and the construction of an argument.

* To help students equip themselves with basic skills for doing formal research.

* To introduce students to new information technologies and the range of scholarly resources accessible to them via the Internet.

* To develop and refine skills in written and oral communication and html.