230600 TexCessive: Cultural & Literary Mappings of the Lone Star State (S) (WiSe 2010/2011)

Texas! Unashamedly hyperbolic (everything “bigger & better”) and notoriously feisty (“Don’t mess with Texas” – actually, the slogan of a successful anti-litter campaign), the second largest state in the union – consecutively claimed by indigenous Americans, under Mexican rule, an independent Republic, and Confederate ally – has always been known for its unique if frequently turbulent history. In this class, we will explore “TX”’s claim not only to fame but to a wealth of cultural affiliations. Drawing on an agenda of literature and film from and about the Lone Star State, we will map out its arguably more visible legacies of the Old South and the Frontier, as well as its identification with the U.S.-Mexican border and its impressive ethnic diversity, in particular as it is reflected in the state’s prominent Mexican-American heritage.

Teilnahmevoraussetzungen, notwendige Vorkenntnisse

Max. no. of participants: 30.

Number of particpants permitting, students from other disciplines are very welcome. Please note that once you have decided to join this class, you will be expected to attend and participate regularly.

Literaturangaben

A preliminary course curriculum will be available by the end of September. Please refer to this page for further info.