The course focuses on how America has attempted to define itself in grand spectacular displays at different moments and on the underlying meanings of those public displays; it also aims to deepen students' skills of cultural criticism and interpretation of cultural documents. Undergraduate course requirements include: readings; attendance and participation in class discussions; reading quizzes; and a substantive 8-10 page research paper on a topic relevant to course issues and content. Graduate course requirements include: readings, attendance and participation in class discussions; three short papers each analyzing and critiquing an individual reading (due when the reading quizzes are due); and a substantive 10-12 page research paper on a topic relevant to course issues and content.