239540 Social and Cultural Studies: North America (S) (WiSe 2011/2012)

This course will attempt to give you a broader understanding of how Americans in the United States think about their nation and themselves and how they have participated in shaping and passing on its culture(s). Of course, with over 320 million inhabitants representing all the races, religions and ethnicities on our planet, the existence of a common culture is a problematic and contested issue. Nevertheless, there are certain beliefs, values, ideas, and experiences that have played a central role in how Americans have interpreted their history and that continue to influence contemporary public discourse.

We will take as a starting point the election of President Barack Obama in 2008 and the developing campaign for the Presidency in 2012. We will consider the divisive issues and place them in the context of recurring themes and motifs in American culture. This will also lead us to examine the structure of government, the role of founding documents, and a range of contemporary political controversies. We will explore issues of diversity in terms of race relations, immigration, religion, regional differences and cultural geography, as well as the cultural dimensions of education in schools and universities. We will be concerned with some of the things Americans have in common, what divides them and whether and to what extent the United States can be regarded as an "exceptional" nation.

Requirements for participation, required level

None

Bibliography

Students should buy American Civilization: An Introduction by David Mauk and John Oakland (fifth edition) Routledge 2009.

Additional materials will be provided in class and/or via e-mail attachments sent to participants.