Rice University

America Through Foreign Eyes

Dr. Julie Fette
Dr. Anne S. Chao
Dr. Jeffrey Fleisher

Instructors: Dr. Julie Fette

18,427 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(392 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 34 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(392 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 34 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

Assessments

16 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder

There are 7 modules in this course

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.

What's included

4 videos5 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

9 videos10 readings3 assignments3 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

15 videos12 readings3 assignments3 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

16 videos12 readings3 assignments3 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

11 videos12 readings3 assignments3 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

9 videos10 readings3 assignments3 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

7 videos2 readings3 discussion prompts

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (89 ratings)
Dr. Julie Fette
Rice University
1 Course18,427 learners
Dr. Anne S. Chao
Rice University
1 Course18,427 learners
Dr. Jeffrey Fleisher
Rice University
1 Course18,427 learners

Offered by

Rice University

Recommended if you're interested in History

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 392

4.7

392 reviews

  • 5 stars

    76.59%

  • 4 stars

    18.32%

  • 3 stars

    3.56%

  • 2 stars

    1.27%

  • 1 star

    0.25%

RL
5

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2021

GH
5

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2019

JL
5

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2022

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions