652F Winter 2026 Anthropology of a Multicultural Nation

The 250th anniversary of the United States provides an opportunity to celebrate our heritage as a multicultural nation shaped by continuous immigration that enriches our culture, revitalizes our communities, and stimulates our economy. Although immigration brings benefits, it also creates social and cultural challenges. While examining our multicultural legacy, we will investigate strategies to build inclusive communities that are the foundation of a robust nation. Our individual identities are often as multifaceted as our national identities. We will explore how ethnicity, race, ancestry, religion, citizenship, regionality, cuisine, and similar affiliations contribute to our sense of self.

Tom Carroll, Ph.D is a cultural anthropologist who served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho in 1967-69.He did research at Clark University and Columbia University. He was a U.S. Department of Education Senior Program Officer and CEO of the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future.