About the lecture

In the first module, we answer the question "What is an American?". In particular, we will explore: (i) the political context in the late 18th century; (ii) the meaning of culture; (iii) Crèveœur's idea about who was an American in this period; and (iv) how the painting of John Potter and Family expands our understanding of who was American in this period.

About the lecturer

Professor Zara Anishanslin is an associate professor of History and Art History and director of the American Civilization Program at the University of Delaware. She specialises in early American and Atlantic World History, with a focus on eighteenth-century material culture. She has written widely within this topic area, including her book - Portrait of a Woman in Silk: Hidden Histories of the British Atlantic World.