Veterans in American Society 4219-SH0034
In the United States, there are currently over 18 million veterans (approximately 6% of the country's entire population), and the military is one of the institutions that Americans hold in the highest social trust. This course offers a multidimensional perspective on the historical and contemporary changes regarding the role and identity of veterans in American society. We will examine the evolution of state policies regarding the care and benefits for veterans, along with modes of commemorating their service. We will explore the complex identities of veterans, taking into account variables such as social class, racial and ethnic background, gender, and sexual orientation. We will analyze selected representations of veterans in American (pop) culture, as well as the ways in which they themselves narrate their military service experiences and readjustment to civilian life in their interviews, memoirs, poetry, etc. Finally, we will also look at the contemporary challenges facing the American military, in the context of changing strategies and technologies in conducting armed conflicts, as well as the growing threats and vulnerabilities faced by veterans, including mental health issues and homelessness crises.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
* The student is able to characterize the changing policies of the state towards veterans, both in their social and symbolic aspects.
* Can identify and characterize various communities and identities of veterans, considering variables such as social class, racial and ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, etc.
* Can identify and characterize representations of veterans in American culture (especially popular culture), as well as the ways in which they themselves narrate their own experiences.
* Can identify contemporary challenges faced by the American military and the difficulties experienced by its veterans.
Skills:
* The student can independently interpret issues related to the social roles and identities of veterans, placing them in appropriate socio-cultural contexts.
* Can analyze historical and contemporary representations of veterans present in American culture, and can explain their origins and functions.
* Can critically and thoughtfully engage with research and publications regarding veterans in American society.
Social Competencies:
* The student actively participates in class discussions, formulates and justifies their own arguments, as well as responds to the arguments of other discussants.
* Is an engaged member of a project team, is able to organize and lead its work.
* Collects, analyzes, and interprets data, and can present it in the form of a report/multimedia presentation.
Assessment criteria
Attendance and active participation in class discussions (2 absences allowed) - 30%
Midterm test - 25%
End of semester test - 25%
Final essay - 20%
Grading: 100-91% (5), 90-81% (4.5), 80-71% (4), 70-61% (3.5), 60-50% (3)
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: