The American Character
Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass
Hertog Foundation | 2011
This seminar explores issues of American identity, American character, and American citizenship. All of the readings will be found in What So Proudly We Hail: The American Soul in Story, Speech, and Song, edited by Amy A. Kass, Leon R. Kass, and Diana Schaub.
The first two days (sessions one through four) will be devoted to the American character: we will explore what kind of human beings are likely to emerge in a regime founded on individual rights, equality, enterprise and commerce, and freedom of religion. The next three days (sessions five through nine) will focus on virtues requisite for a more robust citizenry: self-command, law-abidingness, courage, compassion, charity and reverence. Our tenth and final session will be devoted to a more general discussion of American identity and American citizenship today.
Image from Library of Congress