FYEC 127 – 128  –  Culture & Capitalism: Understanding Change in the Modern World–  Students will investigate the origins and persistence of conflict and misunderstanding between the western and eastern world through the study of three countries –US, France and Algeria . They will study their history, economy and cultures and observe how social, cultural and economic symbols and values are integrated. They will also examine how cultural icons shape societies and from literary analysis, how they are reflected or challenged.

We will also ask the tough questions. Why are some countries rich while others are poor? Does it matter? What is the meaning of it all? Does might make right? Or shall the last be first? It is obvious that an interdisciplinary course is necessary to tackle these big questions. Professor David Brat, Department of Economics and Professor Sandrine Teixidor, Department of Romance Languages. Four hours each semester. [Area of knowledge requirements met: one literature course under the Art and Literature area and one economics course under the Social Sciences area. Open to all students.]