Cheryl Miller's Page

American life requires citizens who know who they are as Americans, who are knowledgably attached to their country and communities, and who possess the character—the attitudes, sensibilities, and virtues—necessary for robust civic participation. The Meaning of America—led by acclaimed teachers Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass—seeks to help form such citizens, using the soul-shaping possibilities of American short stories, political speeches, and patriotic songs.

Having taught college-age students for over three decades at the University of Chicago, Amy and Leon Kass are masters of the seminar style. Their classes offer robust discussion centered on a close reading of a text. Through free online model seminars and in-depth study guides, the Kasses, along with a guest host and their co-editor Diana Schaub, bring their unique and engaging teaching style to the Web. The Meaning of America is the next best thing to gaining a coveted seat in one of the Kasses’ University of Chicago seminars.

Listen and learn as they discuss some of the greatest works of American literature with noted commentators David Brooks (on Mark Twain) and William Kristol  (on Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.) and scholars Eliot Cohen (on Michael Shaara) and Wilfred McClay (on Herman Melville), among others.