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Dr. Anne S. Chao,
Dr. Julie Fette,
Dr. Moramay López-Alonso,
Dr. Jeffrey Fleisher,
and
Dr. Lida Oukaderova
The United States has always been a source of fascination — both attraction and repulsion — for the people of France, Mexico, China, Russia, and African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Sudan. "America Through Foreign Eyes" is a rich, interdisciplinary, international course that features Rice University faculty from a variety of disciplines and area studies. Focused on perceptions of America abroad, the course is a cross between World Cultures and American Studies. The course features five core modules, each covering the perceptions and interactions of particular regions with America, Americans and Americanization.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/jfftrc/america
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
The United States has always been a source of fascination – both attraction and repulsion – for Africans, Chinese, French, Mexicans, and Russians, as well as for many other people from other countries and regions. "America through Foreign Eyes" is an interdisciplinary, international course that features Rice faculty from a variety of disciplines and area studies. Focused on perceptions of America abroad, the course is a cross between World Cultures and American Studies.The course features five modules, each covering the perceptions and interactions of a particular regions of the world with America, Americans, and Americanization. An introductory module offers ways to approach cross-cultural study and a concluding module "reverses the gaze" and analyze what Americans said, thought, or perceived of African nations or Africa as a continent, of China, France, Mexico, and Russia.
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Syllabus
Introduction
The United States has always been a source of fascination – both attraction and repulsion – for Africans, Chinese, French, Mexicans, and Russians, as well as for many other people from other countries and regions. "America through Foreign Eyes" is an interdisciplinary, international course that features Rice faculty from a variety of disciplines and area studies. Focused on perceptions of America abroad, the course is a cross between World Cultures and American Studies.The course features five modules, each covering the perceptions and interactions of a particular regions of the world with America, Americans, and Americanization. An introductory module offers ways to approach cross-cultural study and a concluding module "reverses the gaze" and analyze what Americans said, thought, or perceived of African nations or Africa as a continent, of China, France, Mexico, and Russia.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by experts in the field, this course provides a mix of historical and contemporary perspectives on the United States from various global regions
Develops critical thinking and analytical skills in understanding different perceptions and interactions between America and other countries
Provides valuable insights into international relations, cultural exchange, and global perspectives
Uses a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from history, literature, political science, and cultural studies
May require familiarity with basic concepts in international relations or cultural studies
May require some knowledge of the history and culture of the regions covered
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Reviews summary
America seen through foreign eyes
According to learners, this course offers a fascinating dive into how different cultures perceive the United States. It features multiple instructors from Rice University, each presenting the view from a specific region including Africa, China, France, Mexico, and Russia. The course structure, organized around core themes and concluding with a unique 'Reversing the Gaze' module, is seen as a strength. However, some learners found the scope quite broad, potentially limiting the depth of coverage on complex topics. The course provides a unique interdisciplinary perspective.
Course taught by several Rice University faculty.
"Having different professors for each module brought diverse expertise and made the course engaging."
"The faculty from Rice University are clearly knowledgeable and passionate about their subject areas."
"I appreciated learning from experts specializing in each specific region's relationship with the U.S."
Unique module examining American views of other cultures.
"The concluding module, 'Reversing the Gaze,' was particularly insightful and a great way to wrap up."
"It was interesting to turn the lens back on American perceptions of the cultures we just studied."
"I enjoyed the final module where all the instructors discussed American views together."
Examines America from various global viewpoints.
"I found the different perspectives from each region fascinating and well-presented."
"It was eye-opening to see how perceptions of America vary so much across different cultures."
"Getting insights from Africa, China, France, Mexico, and Russia was a major highlight and offered a unique view."
"This approach of looking at America from the outside is incredibly valuable for understanding global dynamics."
Covers many regions and themes; depth can vary.
"The course covers a lot of ground, which is good for a broad overview of the topic."
"I wished certain topics or regions could have been explored in more depth given their complexity."
"It feels like just an introduction to very complex subjects, rather than a deep dive."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in America Through Foreign Eyes with these
activities:
Supplemental Reading: Orientalism
Show steps
Reading this book will give you a broader understanding of the complex relationship between the West and the East, a key theme explored in this course.
View
The Question of Palestine
on Amazon
Show steps
Review World Cultures
Show steps
Review fundamental concepts and perspectives of world cultures to strengthen your foundation for understanding interactions between America and other regions.
Show steps
-
Read introductory textbooks or articles on world history and cultures.
-
Enroll in an online course or attend a workshop on cultural diversity.
Attend a Cultural Immersion Workshop
Show steps
Immerse yourself in a specific foreign culture through a workshop that provides interactive experiences and hands-on activities.
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant workshops.
-
Register and attend the workshop.
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Improve Your French Language Skills
Show steps
Developing proficiency in French will enhance your understanding of French perspectives and ideas as explored in this course.
Browse courses on
French
Show steps
-
Review basic grammar and vocabulary
-
Practice reading French articles
-
Listen to French podcasts and watch French films
Analyze Historical Documents
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills by examining historical documents and interpreting their significance in shaping perceptions of America.
Browse courses on
Historical Analysis
Show steps
-
Gather primary source documents related to US-foreign relations.
-
Read and analyze the documents, identifying key themes and perspectives.
Peer Review for Writing Assignments
Show steps
Exchanging feedback with peers will enhance your writing skills and help you improve the quality of your assignments.
Browse courses on
Peer Review
Show steps
-
Find a peer or group of peers
-
Exchange written work
-
Provide constructive criticism and suggestions
Practice Identifying Social and Political Issues
Show steps
Refining your ability to identify social and political issues will help you grasp the complexities explored in this course.
Browse courses on
Social Issues
Show steps
-
Read articles and listen to news broadcasts
-
Analyze the underlying causes and consequences of different issues
Read “America: A Narrative History”
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of American history and its impact on global perceptions by reading this comprehensive narrative.
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow the book.
-
Read a chapter each week and take notes.
-
Discuss key ideas with classmates or a study group.
Write a Comparative Essay
Show steps
Composing a comparative essay will allow you to synthesize and evaluate different perspectives on a topic, a skill essential for understanding the diverse viewpoints covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Essay Writing
Show steps
-
Choose a topic related to the course content
-
Research and gather information
-
Develop a thesis statement
-
Write an outline
-
Write the essay
Participate in Virtual Study Groups
Show steps
Engage with classmates and share insights by joining virtual study groups focused on specific topics covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Join or create a study group.
-
Prepare discussion topics and materials.
-
Meet online and engage in discussions.
Create a Visual Representation of a Topic
Show steps
Translating concepts into visual formats can enhance your understanding and recall of course material.
Browse courses on
Visual Representation
Show steps
-
Choose a topic to represent
-
Select an appropriate visual format
-
Design and create the visual representation
Discussion Group on Cultural Exchange
Show steps
Participating in a discussion group will provide an interactive platform to share and exchange ideas, deepening your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Cultural Exchange
Show steps
-
Find a group or create your own
-
Choose a topic to discuss
-
Prepare talking points
Create a Case Study
Show steps
Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario by creating a case study that explores cultural misunderstandings or interactions between America and a specific foreign country.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
-
Identify a specific country or region.
-
Research relevant historical and cultural context.
-
Write a detailed analysis of cultural differences, challenges, and opportunities.
Develop a Multimedia Presentation
Show steps
Showcase your understanding by creating a multimedia presentation that explores cultural perceptions and interactions between America and other countries.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific topic or theme.
-
Gather and analyze relevant information.
-
Design and develop a visually appealing presentation using images, videos, or interactive elements.
Supplemental Reading: Orientalism
Show steps
Reading this book will give you a broader understanding of the complex relationship between the West and the East, a key theme explored in this course.
View
The Question of Palestine
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Review World Cultures
Show steps
Review fundamental concepts and perspectives of world cultures to strengthen your foundation for understanding interactions between America and other regions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read introductory textbooks or articles on world history and cultures.
- Enroll in an online course or attend a workshop on cultural diversity.
Attend a Cultural Immersion Workshop
Show steps
Immerse yourself in a specific foreign culture through a workshop that provides interactive experiences and hands-on activities.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant workshops.
- Register and attend the workshop.
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Improve Your French Language Skills
Show steps
Developing proficiency in French will enhance your understanding of French perspectives and ideas as explored in this course.
Browse courses on
French
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic grammar and vocabulary
- Practice reading French articles
- Listen to French podcasts and watch French films
Analyze Historical Documents
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills by examining historical documents and interpreting their significance in shaping perceptions of America.
Browse courses on
Historical Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather primary source documents related to US-foreign relations.
- Read and analyze the documents, identifying key themes and perspectives.
Peer Review for Writing Assignments
Show steps
Exchanging feedback with peers will enhance your writing skills and help you improve the quality of your assignments.
Browse courses on
Peer Review
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer or group of peers
- Exchange written work
- Provide constructive criticism and suggestions
Practice Identifying Social and Political Issues
Show steps
Refining your ability to identify social and political issues will help you grasp the complexities explored in this course.
Browse courses on
Social Issues
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read articles and listen to news broadcasts
- Analyze the underlying causes and consequences of different issues
Read “America: A Narrative History”
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of American history and its impact on global perceptions by reading this comprehensive narrative.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow the book.
- Read a chapter each week and take notes.
- Discuss key ideas with classmates or a study group.
Write a Comparative Essay
Show steps
Composing a comparative essay will allow you to synthesize and evaluate different perspectives on a topic, a skill essential for understanding the diverse viewpoints covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Essay Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic related to the course content
- Research and gather information
- Develop a thesis statement
- Write an outline
- Write the essay
Participate in Virtual Study Groups
Show steps
Engage with classmates and share insights by joining virtual study groups focused on specific topics covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or create a study group.
- Prepare discussion topics and materials.
- Meet online and engage in discussions.
Create a Visual Representation of a Topic
Show steps
Translating concepts into visual formats can enhance your understanding and recall of course material.
Browse courses on
Visual Representation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic to represent
- Select an appropriate visual format
- Design and create the visual representation
Discussion Group on Cultural Exchange
Show steps
Participating in a discussion group will provide an interactive platform to share and exchange ideas, deepening your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Cultural Exchange
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a group or create your own
- Choose a topic to discuss
- Prepare talking points
Create a Case Study
Show steps
Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario by creating a case study that explores cultural misunderstandings or interactions between America and a specific foreign country.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific country or region.
- Research relevant historical and cultural context.
- Write a detailed analysis of cultural differences, challenges, and opportunities.
Develop a Multimedia Presentation
Show steps
Showcase your understanding by creating a multimedia presentation that explores cultural perceptions and interactions between America and other countries.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific topic or theme.
- Gather and analyze relevant information.
- Design and develop a visually appealing presentation using images, videos, or interactive elements.
Career center
Learners who complete America Through Foreign Eyes will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
Historian
Historians study the past and how it has shaped the present. They may work in academia, museums, or other organizations. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Historians who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. The course can help Historians develop the skills they need to conduct research and analyze historical data in a rigorous and informed way.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study politics and government. They may work in academia, government, or other organizations. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Political Scientists who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and political systems. The course can help Political Scientists develop the skills they need to conduct research and analyze political data in a rigorous and informed way.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They may work in academia, government, or other organizations. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Economists who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and economic systems. The course can help Economists develop the skills they need to conduct research and analyze economic data in a rigorous and informed way.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study the cultures and societies of different groups of people. They may work in academia, government, or other organizations. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Cultural Anthropologists who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. The course can help Cultural Anthropologists develop the skills they need to conduct research and analyze cultural data in a sensitive and informed way.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study the social behavior and interactions of people. They may work in academia, government, or other organizations. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Sociologists who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies. The course can help Sociologists develop the skills they need to conduct research and analyze social data in a sensitive and informed way.
International Relations Analyst
International Relations Analyst
International Relations Analysts study and analyze international relations and events. They may work for governments, think tanks, or other organizations. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for International Relations Analysts who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. The course can help International Relations Analysts develop the skills they need to analyze international relations in a comprehensive and informed way.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers represent the United States abroad. They work in a variety of roles, including diplomats, consuls, and trade specialists. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Foreign Service Officers who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. The course can help Foreign Service Officers develop the skills they need to work effectively in a foreign country.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
Market Researchers collect and analyze data on consumer behavior. They may work for a variety of clients, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Market Researchers who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and consumer behaviors. The course can help Market Researchers develop the skills they need to collect and analyze data in a sensitive and informed way.
Translator
Translator
Translators convert written or spoken material from one language to another. They may work for a variety of clients, including businesses, governments, and individuals. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Translators who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and languages. The course can help Translators develop the skills they need to translate material in a accurate and culturally appropriate way.
Interpreter
Interpreter
Interpreters convert spoken material from one language to another. They may work in a variety of settings, including conferences, meetings, and legal proceedings. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Interpreters who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and languages. The course can help Interpreters develop the skills they need to interpret material in a accurate and culturally appropriate way.
Editor
Editor
Editors review, edit, and revise written material. They may work for publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, or other media outlets. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Editors who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. The course can help Editors develop the skills they need to edit written material in a sensitive and informed way.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. They may work for a variety of clients, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Public Relations Specialists who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. The course can help Public Relations Specialists develop the skills they need to manage the public image of their clients in a sensitive and effective way.
Writer
Writer
Writers are responsible for creating content for a variety of audiences and purposes. They may write articles, blog posts, books, speeches, and other types of written material. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be helpful for Writers who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. The course can help Writers develop the skills they need to write about these topics in a sensitive and informed way.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. The America Through Foreign Eyes course can be useful for Journalists who want to gain a deeper understanding of the different perspectives on American culture and society. The course can help Journalists develop the skills they need to report on these topics in a fair and accurate way.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They may work in private practice, government, or other organizations. The America Through Foreign Eyes course may be useful for Lawyers who want to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and legal systems. The course can help Lawyers develop the skills they need to advise and represent clients in a culturally sensitive and effective way.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jfftrc/america
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
America Through Foreign Eyes.
Argues that the world is divided into different civilizations, each with its own unique values and interests. It controversial but influential work that has helped to shape the debate about America's role in the world.
Argues that the end of the Cold War marked the end of history, as the world had reached a stage of universal liberal democracy. It provocative and thought-provoking work that has sparked a great deal of debate.
Examines the impact of globalization on the world. It argues that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent, and that this is leading to both new opportunities and new challenges.
Save
Argues that geography still plays a major role in shaping world events. It examines the impact of geography on the rise and fall of civilizations, and on the outbreak of wars.
Examines the rise of the United States as a global superpower. It argues that the United States' success was due to a combination of factors, including its geography, its resources, and its institutions.
Examines the changing nature of power in the world. It argues that power is shifting from military might to economic and technological power.
Examines the convergence of living standards between developed and developing countries. It argues that the world is becoming more equal, and that this is leading to new challenges and opportunities.
Examines the tension between globalization and democracy. It argues that globalization is leading to a decline in democracy, and that this threat to the future of the world.
Examines the impact of geography on world history. It argues that geography has played a major role in shaping the rise and fall of civilizations, and in the outbreak of wars.
Examines the decline of trust in authority figures and institutions. It argues that this decline is leading to a new era of instability and uncertainty.
Save
Examines the impact of the digital revolution on the world. It argues that the digital revolution is leading to a new era of economic growth and social change.
Save
Examines the history of the Silk Road, and its impact on the development of the world. It argues that the Silk Road was a major factor in the rise of China and the West.
Examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world. It argues that the pandemic catalyst for a new era of economic and social change.
Save
Examines the future of capitalism. It argues that capitalism is facing a number of challenges, including climate change, inequality, and technological change.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jfftrc/america
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Rice University
Instructors
Dr. Anne S. Chao
Dr. Julie Fette
Dr. Moramay López-Alonso
Dr. Jeffrey Fleisher
Dr. Lida Oukaderova
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
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Polski
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