Defining Us: Drawing the Boundaries of the Nation in Nationalistic Times

Make America Great Again. Unless this is the slogan of an environmentalist movement, then it seems unlikely this refers to a physical space. Rather, it refers to a people. Recognizing there can be no in-group without an out-group, students are challenged to explore the myriad ways in which some US communities are constructed as separate from "America". Drawing on theories of citizenship, race, and gender, seminar members will come to appreciate the degree to which the boundaries of not only belonging, but even of morality, are drawn to legitimize the existence of the nation and its people. We will anchor our inquiry into nationalism with contemporary cases of marginalization in the United States-including communities of poor African Americans and undocumented immigrants-before moving to current examples that transcend the US. The course will make use of the instructor's research materials - including original, proprietary data and resultant publications. Students participating in July Experience take one morning class and one afternoon class each day, Monday through Friday. Classes meet for 90 minutes, with the possibility of additional laboratory sessions in selected courses. July Experience courses although taught with college-level rigor, do not carry any secondary school or college credit. This allows students to take risks and explore curriculum without the pressure of impacting his or her permanent record. Courses are graded on an Honors/Pass/Fail basis and a detailed written letter to parents/guardians is provided by each professor after the conclusion of the program. Students will have the opportunity to select their class preferences after they have been admitted to the program. To ensure small class sizes, students may be assigned second or third choices. The total cost of July Experience 2019 is $4,000. Tuition covers the following areas: Room and board (all meals and self-service laundry), Textbook(s) for use during the duration of the program, and Scheduled activity costs/fees. Tuition does not include travel expenses and personal spending money. Application process includes: online application, transcript, school profile, counselor recommendation form, teacher recommendation form, essay. Students must complete the Online Application in its entirety and submit it in one online session. Financial aid is available with the completion of an additional scholarship application.