POLS
497-2—Floor Class, Spring 2006
Gregory D. Schmidt Class
Information
Office: 415 Zulauf Hall Class Time: Tue. 8 - 9:15 PM
: 753-7039 Room:
Big Blue
Office Hours: T&Th
11-12; Tues. 2:30-4:30
e-mail:
gschmidt@niu.edu
Purpose:
In his seminal work, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, Samuel Huntington argued provocatively and presciently that with the end of the cold war, "civilizations" were replacing ideologies as the new fault lines in international politics. Now in a controversial new work, Who Are We?, Huntington focuses on an identity crisis closer to home as he examines the impact other civilizations and their values are having on our own country. America was founded by British settlers who brought with them a distinct culture, says Huntington, including the English language, Protestant values, individualism, religious commitment, and respect for law. The waves of immigrants that later came to the United States gradually accepted these values and assimilated into America's Anglo-Protestant culture. More recently, however, our national identity has been eroded by the problems of assimilating massive numbers of primarily Hispanic immigrants and challenged by issues such as bilingualism, multiculturalism, the devaluation of citizenship, and the "denationalization" of American elites. September 11 brought a revival of American patriotism and a renewal of American identity, but already there are signs that this revival is fading. Huntington argues the need for us to reassert the core values that make us Americans.[1]
Is Huntington right? If so, why and what are some possible solutions to the problems that he identifies. Or, as some have argued, is Huntington just an elderly WASP reactionary who is clinging to the past for no good reason? If this latter view is true, what are some antidotes for the paranoia that he expresses? Or, perhaps Huntington is right about some things and wrong about others. Students will evaluate Huntington’s claims, assess counterarguments, and reach their own conclusions. Thus, the purpose of this course is to stimulate critical thought, reflection, and analysis on some of the most important issues that we face as citizens of the United States.
Readings and assignments:
Students in the course will
purchase a copy of the book from the Holmes or Village Commons bookstores or on
line:
Each week students will read the
assigned chapters from Huntington’s book prior
to coming to class.
At the beginning of each
session (except the first) each student will submit a brief (1-2 ds. pages) commentary
on the chapters read. Each commentary
will respond to one or two major assertions made by the author. Whether you agree or disagree, justify your
position with supporting logic and facts.
You should not merely repeat evidence in the book. These commentaries together
will count for 25% of the final grade.
Commentaries must be typed. Students should keep a copy of each
commentary for their own use.
Participation:
Class participation is an
important component of the class and will count for 25% of the final grade. Each student should be ready to discuss the
assigned chapters comprehensively, going beyond the specific points emphasized
in his or her commentary. Since you
cannot participate without being present in class, attendance is mandatory.
Essay:
At the end of the semester
each student will submit a double spaced 4-5 page essay that
addresses one or two of the
major challenges to American identify emphasized by Huntington (see especially
Chapters 7-10). Provide solutions or
explain why his concerns are unfounded.
Your essay should be original and supported by evidence. You should not merely repeat facts from the
book. You may use any regular format
for citations. Please give me the URL
and a printout of any supporting evidence from the internet. The essay will
count for 50% of the course grade.
Late papers will be down
graded 5 points for each day they are late. I will not accept any papers after
April 25.
Course Outline:
Session 1: Introduction
and Distribution of Syllabi
January 24
Session 2: The
Issues of Identity
February 7 Front matter and Chapters 1 & 2.
Session 3: American
Identity
February 21 Huntington, Chapters 3-6.
Session 4: Subnational
Identities and Assimilation
March 7 Huntington, Chapters 7 & 8.
Session 5: Mexican
Immigration, Hispanization, and Globalization
March 21 Huntington, Chapters 9 & 10.
Session 6: Renewing
American Identity
April 4 Huntington,
Chapters 11 & 12.
April 18 Final Paper is Due by 4:30 in Zulauf
415.