239547 Theorizing Hemisperic Studies of the Americas (S) (SoSe 2013)

In ‘Theorizing Hemispheric Studies of the Americas’ we will address the limits and possibilities of ‘Hemispheric Studies of the Americas’ and discuss methodologies, concepts as well as theoretical approaches relevant for reflections upon studies of the Americas within the dynamics and tensions of globalization. Manifold approaches—be they decolonial, postcolonial, transcultural, transversal, embedded in mobility studies and transnational area studies—have enriched, diversified and complicated hemispheric approaches to view, explore and analyze the interdependences and interrelations within the Americas and beyond in recent times. Our course will focus the theoretical debates currently renegotiating critical directions in Canadian, American, and Inter-American Studies in a dialogical and critical fashion. We will apply theoretical concepts to novels by Edwidge Danticat and Karen T. Yamashita and to recent film productions. Class requirements include active participation, short papers on selected presentations in the IAS colloquium ( 5 invited scholars will give presentations on Hemispheric America Studies Tuesday 18-20 in the summer semester, dates will be announced) and participation the conference (Trans)cultural Mobility in the Americas May 6-8 (ZiF, Bielefeld).