Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Bulletin

IDS 2000 - The Idea of America (3) [FAD] [GenEd: HS]

When Offered: Fall
Satisfies the Foundations of American Democracy (FAD) graduation requirement.
GEN ED: Historical Studies Designation; Humanity and its Systems​
What is it that makes the United States and its people “American?” In this course, students will review key concepts in historical and contemporary thought that have characterized how U.S. culture is perceived both here and abroad including, but not limited to: America as an empire or superpower; manifest destiny; the ‘frontier’ in America; the “ugly” American; America as an experiment in human rights. Embedded in these concepts are physical, economic, political, and demographic characteristics that have historically defined and continue to define “America.” This course may be taught with a thematic focus, depending on the semester offered.