The American Identity

By: Patrick N. Allitt, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Patrick N. Allitt

What defines an American? Is it the love of liberty, the pursuit of justice, the urge to invent, the desire for wealth, the drive to explore, the quest for spiritual values? The paradox of American identity is that although the United States is a melting pot of many different traditions, motives, and ideals, there are nevertheless distinctive qualities that define the American character.

In this series of 48 fascinating lectures, an award-winning teacher and author explores the national character by introducing you to notable men and women from every era of American history - some of them famous, some unknown, some even infamous - whose lives speak eloquently about the qualities, for better or worse, that make one truly American. Focusing on various character traits and attitudes that have indelibly shaped the national psyche, Professor Allitt takes you on a journey from the very first settlers to the present, showing how certain characteristics have persisted through time and also how certain traits and beliefs have changed. And while the lectures are enjoyable as a well-told series of biographies, they do much more, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the trends and ideas that have shaped America and continue to influence American society today.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2005 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2005 The Great Courses

American history told through rich tapestry of interrelated biographies

Lively, insightful presentation brimming with understanding of how each character exemplified and extended the attributes of "American character".

This lecture series gave me a lot to think about

Professor Allitt lays out historical events in a way that is pleasing and also demanding. He asks insightful questions and provides meaningful information. His spin on the American Identity is persuasively presented.

Fascinating and well-organized lectures

Professor Allitt is always worth a listen. I had put this one off, thinking I was a bit tired of American history, but his approach of using certain individuals as a lens to look at particularly American traits was fascinating. Having grown up elsewhere, he offers an interesting perspective, and his usual even handed depiction was well-done in a time of polarization. He's always witty and charming and is a fabulous storyteller.

I think this one could be quite interesting to someone new to American history or a homeschooling student.

Nice history of American individuals

I enjoyed this lecture because it takes an interesting look at American history, but I don't think the lecture particularly covered American identity. Especially with how long this lecture is, it lacks a cohesive thread connecting all of the individuals Professor Allitt describes. The first and last chapters attempt to make that thread, but I don't think it was successful. Otherwise, I did enjoy learning about different Americans who have contributed to what America is today.

Some overlooked but influential Americans

Excellent course that covers many influential Americans, many of whom we are less familiar with today.

As an ex-pat Briton, I really appreciate how the professor is able to give "an outsider's perspective" and often feel such people can see aspects that native Americans might not perceive.

Excellent presentation style, with clear storytelling, as usual from Professor Allitt.