America Through Foreign Eyes from Coursera

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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.

America through African Eyes

The United States has always been a source of fascination for Africans. African observers and travelers are rarely indifferent to American culture and people. This module, “America Through African Eyes,” examines historical and contemporary perceptions of America, Americans, and Americanization through the lens of African writers, politicians, intellectuals, refugees, and local citizens. Taught by Dr. Jeffrey Fleisher, a professor of Archeology, this module will cover the four themes of the course: Democracy and Modernity; Globalization and Capitalism; Racism and Immigration; and Intellectual and Cultural Life.

America Through Chinese Eyes

The United States has always been a source of fascination for the people of China. Chinese observers and travelers are rarely indifferent to American culture and people. This module, “America Through Chinese Eyes,” examines historical and contemporary perceptions of America, Americans, and Americanization through the lens of Chinese writers, artists, politicians, intellectuals, and public opinion. Taught by Dr. Anne Chao, a professor of History, this module will cover the four themes of the course: Democracy and Modernity; Globalization and Capitalism; Racism and Immigration; and Intellectual and Cultural Life.

America Through French Eyes

The United States has always been a source of fascination for the people of France. French observers and travelers are rarely indifferent to American culture and people. This module, “America Through French Eyes,” examines historical and contemporary perceptions of America, Americans, and Americanization through the lens of French writers, artists, politicians, intellectuals, and public opinion. Taught by Dr. Julie Fette, a professor of French Studies, this module will cover the four themes of the course: Democracy and Modernity; Globalization and Capitalism; Racism and Immigration; and Intellectual and Cultural Life.

America Through Mexican Eyes

The United States has always been a source of fascination for the people of Mexico. Mexican observers and travelers are rarely indifferent to American culture and people. This module, “ America Through Mexican Eyes,” examines historical and contemporary perceptions of America, Americans, and Americanization through the lens of Mexican writers, artists, politicians, intellectuals, and public opinion. Taught by Dr. Moramay López-Alonso, a professor of History, this module will cover the four themes of the course: Democracy and Modernity; Globalization and Capitalism; Racism and Immigration; and Intellectual and Cultural Life.

America through Russian Eyes

The United States has always been a source of fascination for the people of Russia. Russian observers and travelers are rarely indifferent to American culture and people. This module, “America Through Russian Eyes,” examines historical and contemporary perceptions of America, Americans, and Americanization through the lens of Russian writers, thinkers, and film makers. Taught by Dr. Lida Oukaderova, a professor of Art History, this module will cover the four themes of the course: Democracy and Modernity; Globalization and Capitalism; Racism and Immigration; and Intellectual and Cultural Life.

Reversing the Gaze

This course has explored how the United States has been a source of fascination for African, Chinese, French, Mexican, and Russian people. What happens when we “reverse the gaze?” This module examines historical and contemporary perceptions of Africa, China, France, Mexico, and Russia through American eyes. Join all five instructors for informal conversations over a meal at various Houston restaurants about American perceptions of the world.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Globally diverse history: us foreign perception

learners say this course offers engaging video lectures by knowledgeable professors who provide a unique and informative perspective on how the US is viewed by diverse countries. They note that the well-organized course covers topics like history, politics, and culture. While some learners wished for a certificate of completion, many found that the course expanded their global awareness and recommend it to students interested in international relations.

Course covers various countries and topics.

"This was a fantastic course that really expands the learner's understanding of various international cultures' views of one of the world's most controversial superpowers."

"Enlightening and well-organized, I believe it presents invaluable information about political and historical relations, internal and external cultures, literature, food, and language that illuminate many qualities about the countries it portrays and the viewpoints they take on the United States."

Course offers a unique perspective on America from other countries.

"I'd been talking to a former student about how America must look to other countries (given the state of the nation), and was thrilled to find this course a few months later."

"Engaging, well-organized, and my notebook is filled with post-its of "further readings" to spend more time with."

Knowledgeable professors present engaging lectures.

"The course "American Through foreign Eyes" really opens my eyes with plenty of historical Events, Occurrences, Tensions & Happiness- Relations from distinct view points of several countries from opposite ideologies about the USA & its Culture,Society & Governments as well......i simply want to Thank Rice University USA & all my course Teachers from Dr. Anne Chao, Dr. Julie Fette , Dr. Jeffrey Fleisher Dr. Moramay López-Alonso & Dr. Lida Oukaderova and finally COURSERA….Architect Meheroze Al Hassan, Dhaka, Bangladesh "

Learners wish there was a certificate of completion.

"It would have been very helpful to have been provided links to the recommended readings which were accessible without newspaper subscription."

"I don't think the videos went in depth enough to really get the full picture, but I had to skip over many of the recommended readings since they weren't easily available."

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

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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

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Review World Cultures

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Review fundamental concepts and perspectives of world cultures to strengthen your foundation for understanding interactions between America and other regions.

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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

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Immerse yourself in a specific foreign culture through a workshop that provides interactive experiences and hands-on activities.

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Research and identify relevant workshops.
Register and attend the workshop.

11 other activities

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Improve Your French Language Skills

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Developing proficiency in French will enhance your understanding of French perspectives and ideas as explored in this course.

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Review basic grammar and vocabulary
Practice reading French articles
Listen to French podcasts and watch French films

Analyze Historical Documents

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Develop your analytical skills by examining historical documents and interpreting their significance in shaping perceptions of America.

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Gather primary source documents related to US-foreign relations.
Read and analyze the documents, identifying key themes and perspectives.

Peer Review for Writing Assignments

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Exchanging feedback with peers will enhance your writing skills and help you improve the quality of your assignments.

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Find a peer or group of peers
Exchange written work
Provide constructive criticism and suggestions

Practice Identifying Social and Political Issues

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Refining your ability to identify social and political issues will help you grasp the complexities explored in this course.

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Read articles and listen to news broadcasts
Analyze the underlying causes and consequences of different issues

Read “America: A Narrative History”

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Deepen your understanding of American history and its impact on global perceptions by reading this comprehensive narrative.

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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

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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.

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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

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Engage with classmates and share insights by joining virtual study groups focused on specific topics covered in the course.

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Join or create a study group.
Prepare discussion topics and materials.
Meet online and engage in discussions.

Create a Visual Representation of a Topic

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Translating concepts into visual formats can enhance your understanding and recall of course material.

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Choose a topic to represent
Select an appropriate visual format
Design and create the visual representation

Discussion Group on Cultural Exchange

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Participating in a discussion group will provide an interactive platform to share and exchange ideas, deepening your understanding of the course material.

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Find a group or create your own
Choose a topic to discuss
Prepare talking points

Create a Case Study

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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.

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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

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Showcase your understanding by creating a multimedia presentation that explores cultural perceptions and interactions between America and other countries.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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