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Description of the Course:
 

The aim of the course is to revisit the journey of the American soldiers during WWII in London-Paris-Normandy. Through this journey, the students of Clemson University will analyze and reflect on the meaning and purpose of the GIs' actions and experiences, on the current place and role of the United States in the world, and/or on current issues in international relations and cross-cultural exchange between France, Europe, the United States, and between these nations, regions, and the rest of the world. The students are invited to explore the topics and address these questions from a broad range of perspectives: International relations, Political Science, Sociology, History, Art, Culture, Literature, Economics, Business, Architecture, Urban Design, Cross-Cultural Studies, Secondary Education, Food Science, Communication Studies, Philosophy, Religion, ROTC and others.

Goals of the Course and Learning Outcomes:
 

The aims of the course are to help the students:

  • Gain knowledge in the history of the American experience internationally during a significant period of the 20th Century.

  • Learn about the past and present role of the United States, its influence and perception worldwide through an active interaction with people living abroad.

  • Experience a different culture, through tours, interactions and conversations, and acquire the ability to think critically and comparatively about its nature and character.

  • Have a broader understanding of the world outside the United States in general terms and from diverse and specific perspectives such as the ones above.

 

 

Required Text:

  1. Eric Touya de Marenne, French-American Relations. Remembering D-Day after September 11. Lanham: University Press of America, 2008.

  2. Stephen Ambrose, D-Day: June 6, 1944, The Climactic Battle of World War II, New York: Simon & Schuster, 1995

 

Recommended Texts: TBA.

 

Attendance and Participation:

Presence for each session is mandatory. Since class participation accounts for 25% of the final grade, students are expected to take an active part in class activities. Written assignments must be typed and are due on time. All reading should be completed prior to departure. The instructor welcomes questions which need further explanation or amplification. The standard grading scale will apply: 90-100=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D; below 60=F.

 

Assessment Methods and Grade:

*Attendance/Participation: 25%

*Open book quiz based on the required text: 15%

*Journal Writing On-Site: 20% (The evaluation of the journal will be based on its length and relevance with respect to the student’s critical thinking and assigned paper).

*12-15 pages paper: 40% (The topic and structure of the paper will be selected prior departure).

 

 

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