America Through Foreign Eyes

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/america-through-foreign-eyes

Introduction

### Course Review: America Through Foreign Eyes #### Overview "America Through Foreign Eyes," offered by Rice University on Coursera, is a thought-provoking course that provides a detailed exploration of how the United States is perceived around the globe. This interdisciplinary course, engaging with faculty from diverse fields, immerses learners in a rich tapestry of international perspectives on America, spanning countries as varied as France, China, Mexico, Russia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Sudan. Through historical and contemporary lenses, the course navigates the complexities of American identity and its cultural reverberations across different societies. #### Course Structure The course is structured into five comprehensive modules, each focusing on the perspectives of a specific region. The course begins with an introduction to cross-cultural studies before diving into the following specialized sections: 1. **America Through African Eyes** Led by Dr. Jeffrey Fleisher, this module delves into the perspectives of African observers. Thematic explorations include democracy, globalization, racism, and cultural life, highlighting the unique and often critical lens through which Africans view American culture and politics. 2. **America Through Chinese Eyes** Dr. Anne Chao guides learners through Chinese perspectives on America, addressing similar themes. This module takes a deep dive into how Chinese intellectuals and artists depict American ideals and conflicts, providing invaluable insight into the nuances of Sino-American relations. 3. **America Through French Eyes** Taught by Dr. Julie Fette, this section offers an enlightening examination of French attitudes toward America. The interplay of fascination and skepticism found in the French perception of American culture is dissected, with themes like globalization acting as a bridge between the two cultures. 4. **America Through Mexican Eyes** Dr. Moramay López-Alonso leads an exploration of Mexico's culturally rich and politically charged perceptions of the United States. This module confronts historical tensions and the ongoing dialogue between neighbors, emphasizing themes of immigration and cultural exchange. 5. **America Through Russian Eyes** In the final module of individual perspectives, Dr. Lida Oukaderova examines Russian viewpoints on America, addressing the complexities of cultural diplomacy, societal narratives, and media portrayals. This module rounds out the course by reflecting on the often fraught relationships shaped by geopolitical factors. 6. **Reversing the Gaze** The concluding section brings a unique twist, focusing on American perceptions of Africa, China, France, Mexico, and Russia. Learners engage with all five instructors in informal conversations, providing a holistic understanding of cross-cultural dialogues and misunderstandings. #### Course Experience One of the strengths of "America Through Foreign Eyes" is its interdisciplinary approach, which not only enriches academic understanding but also promotes cultural empathy. Through engaging video lectures, readings, and interactive discussions, the course stimulates critical thinking about identity, globalization, and cultural perceptions. Students benefit from the diverse expertise of Rice University's professors, who bring their real-world knowledge and research into the classroom. The discussions are insightful, fostering a space for learners to engage with varying viewpoints and encourage dialogue about complex global issues. #### Recommendation I highly recommend "America Through Foreign Eyes" to anyone interested in cultural studies, international relations, or American studies. This course is an essential pick for students, educators, and professionals looking to broaden their understanding of the intricate dynamics between America and the world. Whether you wish to explore historical contexts or contemporary perceptions, this course offers a comprehensive, engaging, and enlightening experience. By examining how different cultures perceive America, learners will not only gain insights into the U.S. identity but will also cultivate a deeper appreciation for global interconnectedness in an increasingly complex world. Enroll today on Coursera and enhance your global perspective!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.