In the late eighteenth century, author John Crevecoeur asked, “What is an American?” HIS 402 explores the complex response to this simple question through three broad themes. “Myths and identity,” looks at unifying principles and American exceptionalism. Among these are the universal principles of the founding documents, gender equality, and the American penchant to spread democracy throughout the globe. “Ethnicity” considers group distinctiveness and the state’s relationship with native people, immigrants, and African Americans. Finally, “religion” looks at the Catholic experience in the US. Topics include persecutions by the Know Nothings and the KKK, and the Church in the midst of the culture wars. Through primary and secondary source readings, lectures, and discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of essential aspects of American history and identity.