American Studies

American Psycho was an intense but surprisingly rigorous literature course that went far beyond shock value. Rather than treating the novel as provocation for its own sake, the class framed it as a serious critique of late-capitalist excess, masculinity, consumer culture, and narrative unreliability. Discussions were sharp and often uncomfortable in productive ways, pushing students to sit with ambiguity and moral instability instead of rushing toward tidy interpretations. What made the course especially strong was how closely it read language, repetition, and form, showing how style itself becomes an argument. The course demanded careful preparation and a high tolerance for discomfort, but it rewarded that effort with genuinely sophisticated conversations. Overall, it was a challenging, memorable class that exemplified Middlebury’s strength in close reading and critical discussion.

American Psycho was an intense but surprisingly rigorous literature course that went far beyond shock value. Rather than treating the novel as provocation for its own sake, the class framed it as a serious critique of late-capitalist excess, masculinity, consumer culture, and narrative unreliability. Discussions were sharp and often …Read more

Immigrant America is a compelling and intellectually rich course that examines immigration through historical, social, and political lenses. The class encourages students to move beyond surface-level narratives and engage critically with the complexities of immigration in the United States, including questions of identity, policy, labor, and belonging. The readings are well-curated and span a range of time periods and perspectives, allowing students to see how immigration has shaped—and continues to shape—American society. Discussions play a central role in the course, challenging students to analyze primary sources, question assumptions, and connect historical patterns to contemporary debates. Writing assignments emphasize argumentation and evidence, helping students develop stronger analytical skills. At times, the material can be dense and emotionally challenging, especially when addressing exclusion, discrimination, and inequality. However, these difficulties are part of what makes the course impactful and worthwhile. Overall, Immigrant America is a highly engaging course that deepens students’ understanding of U.S. history while sharpening their ability to think critically about one of the most important and ongoing issues in American society.

Immigrant America is a compelling and intellectually rich course that examines immigration through historical, social, and political lenses. The class encourages students to move beyond surface-level narratives and engage critically with the complexities of immigration in the United States, including questions of identity, policy, la …Read more

Prof. Roberto is a welcoming and intelligent professor. Although he has other responsibilities as Dean of faculty, he has been truly accommodating to his students and has made the time of the class be worth it. The readings are long but you have a week or two to finish them. They are great books as well!