American Studies: A Look at Culture and Society

COURSE DESCRIPTION

American culture is much more than what you see on TV or in the movies. A lot of what you see or hear about America is based on popular culture. Are you curious about how and why Americans are the way that they are? The American Dream is still a persistent thought for many Americans, but a younger generation of Americans is trying to shift the perspective and become more globally aware. However, despite our differences, we have some uniquely American traits. This course will introduce you to the culture and customs of America in a fun and interactive way! You will learn about:

Different regions of America: food, accents, weather
American politics: the major political parties, voting rights, and issues
American school system: elementary, middle, high school, university, graduate school; public vs. private
American slang aka American English
Dating in America/Dating an American
Restaurants, bars, and tipping culture
History of immigration to America
Music, movies, and TV shows that shaped American culture
Sports!: What is American Football?
American law: suing, local/state/federal law
Getting sick in America: healthcare, opioid epidemic

In this course you will learn a little bit of everything about American Culture and Society – including customs, sayings, traditions, holidays, music, history, politics and law. There will be opportunities to share your experience with and surprises of American Culture as well as to ask questions. You will read, watch, and listen to an assortment of views about what it means to be American and how this notion has evolved and continues to change.

ASSIGNMENTS AND COMPLETION CERTIFICATE

In addition to the in-person meetings that will take place on Saturday and Sunday, this class will include a pre-assignment and follow-up assignment as part of the 36-hour class.

You will be invited to join Google Classroom 2 weeks before class starts, which is the platform we use for all our assignments. Check your junk or spam folder, as invitations to join Google Classroom sometimes end up there. Please make sure you register for the course with a valid email address, since this is where you will receive the invitation. Your email has to be Google compatible, so it’s best to use gmail, hotmail or yahoo. If you do not receive a notification to join Google Classroom, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to contact us.

The pre-assignment will be posted on Google Classroom 2 weeks before class starts. Make sure you join Google Classroom early and complete the assignment BEFORE coming to class. It will take you approximately 9 hours to complete

The follow-up assignment will be posted on Google Classroom on the weekend of class, and also consists of 9 hours. You must complete it in order to receive your course completion certificate. Course completion certificates will be uploaded to Google Classroom, a few days after the assignment deadline. You will have 3 weeks to complete the assignment. If you need your certificate earlier, please indicate it during the registration process and we will email it to you as soon as you complete the follow-up assignment.

All assignments must be completed in order to receive your course completion certificate!

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is mandatory Saturday and Sunday. If you are late or leave early, you will not receive a course completion certificate. Please note, that this is a weekend intensive class and the days are long. We expect you to come to class well rested and ready to participate.
Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Airfare or other transportation to/from Jersey City or NYC.
Accommodation. (You can find a room in Jersey City for around $40-60/night on Airbnb or booking.com)
Breakfast, lunch or dinner (You can either bring your own food to class or purchase at one of the many cafes/pizza places/delis located close to the school.)

ADDRESS

Hudson County Community College – Continuing Education
161 Newkirk Street
Jersey City, NJ 07306

Room number will be provided on Google Classroom before class start.

If you are driving to class, there is some street parking available free of charge on certain streets (get there earlier so you can drive around and search) or there is a garage right across from the school – State Square Parking at 132 Sip Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306. If you are taking the PATH train, get off at Journal Square.

$295 | IN-PERSON | 36 Hours (equivalent to 3 credits)

Contact Information

Office of Continuing Education
161 Newkirk Street, Room E504
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-4224
CEFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE