1402-1 Lecture: US-American Literature: Beginnings to Present
Wednesday, 5 – 7 pm
Prof. Katja Kanzler
Exam: written examination (90 min) covering the entire module
This lecture will provide a survey of US-American literary history from its colonial pre-history to the present. It will discuss important themes, modes, and genres that characterize US literature throughout its history, its cultural contexts, and the literary periods into which these developments have been organized. In the course of this survey, we will explore the – partly very different, partly continuous – ways in which texts across these periods define ‘Americanness,’ in which they approach human nature and social differences, and the ideas about the role and operations of literature that they reflect.
1402-2 Seminar: American Cultures and Society
Choose one out of seven seminars (1402-2a-g):
1402-2a/b/c US Cultural History and Politics: Values and Institutions
either a) Tuesday, 11 am -1 pm
Dr. Eleonora Ravizza
or
b) Tuesday, 1 - 3 pm
Dr. Eleonora Ravizza
or
c) Wednesday, 1 - 3 pm
Dr. Eleonora Ravizza
This class will cover how historical, political, and social developments in the United States were and are influenced by the rapidly changing national landscape. In this seminar, we will discuss various topics relevant to both historical and contemporary United States in terms of what determines American values and how they have shaped and empowered (or undermined) certain institutions. We will then look at how traditional American values such as freedom, justice, and equality have evolved through time and how they have influenced the socio-political realm. Topics will include racial inequality, political corruption, the healthcare system, and the justice system.
In addition to gaining knowledge about the historical background, students will also have the opportunity to apply their findings in group discussions about a variety of texts, such as newspaper articles, magazine articles, and online videos. The seminar thus invites an interdisciplinary dialog between history, politics, and cultural studies.
Please note that all seminars will start in the week of April 19.
1402-2d/e/f/g US Cultural History and Politics: Myths and Narratives
or
d) Wednesday, 11 am - 1 pm
Dr. Sebastian Herrmann
or
e) Wednesday, 1 - 3 pm
Dr. Sebastian Herrmann
or
f) Thursday, 11 am - 1 pm
Dr. Sebastian Herrmann
or
g) Thursday, 1 - 3 pm
Dr. Sebastian Herrmann
Historical, political, and social developments in the United States have always been influenced by long-standing myths and narratives. In this seminar we will accordingly discuss how (popular) cultural imaginations have shaped social and political realities, considering topics such as the American Dream, immigration, the myth of Manifest Destiny, notions of individuality and self-reliance, and others. We will also engage with the reverse perspective, looking at how these myths and narratives have been shaped by social and cultural realities.
In addition to gaining knowledge about the cultural and historical background, students will also have the opportunity to apply their findings in group discussions about a variety of texts, such as newspaper articles, magazine articles, and online videos. The seminar thus invites an interdisciplinary dialog between history, politics, and cultural studies.
Please note that all seminars will start in the week of April 19.
Overall module responsibility: Prof. Katja Kanzler
Module organization & coordination: