239726 The Mediterranean in 19th-Century American Literature (S) (SoSe 2013)

The lure of the Mediterranean—Classical Greece and Rome, Ancient Egypt, the Holy Land, Renaissance Italy, Moorish Spain, and the seemingly timeless Orient: Following Northern European, especially British traditions, many U.S. Americans during the 19th century were fascinated with the past and present countries and cultures surrounding the Mediterranean sea. Numerous writers and visual artists depicted “Mediterranean” topics in their works, and many of these works resulted directly or indirectly from their creators’ personal journeys to one or several countries of the region.

The seminar addresses the major themes (the ancient, early modern, and contemporary cultures), genres (especially the travel narrative and short story), and discourses (the region as liberating or threatening space, as cradle of Euro-American culture or locus of cultural difference) of U.S. American dealing with the Mediterranean in 19th-century literature.

On the thematic level, the seminar will provide participants with an introduction to 19th-century U.S.-American literature and its dealing with other—past and contemporary—cultures, specifically those of Southern Europe, the Levant, and the Maghreb. On the methodological level, we will exercise skills in analyzing texts and images, presenting results orally and in writing, and conducting bibliographical research. Activities in class will focus heavily on work in (small) groups (exercises, discussions, formal and informal presentations).

Requirements for participation, required level

Participants should have passed the courses “Analyzing and Interpreting Literary Texts: US American Literatures” and “Research and Presentation.” Good knowledge of histories, cultures, and languages of the Mediterranean region is an additional asset, though no requirement.

Bibliography

All required reading material will be made available for download by seminar participants on a Stud-IP page before the beginning of the term. Participants are advised to consult the syllabus (containing the lesson plan and specific course requirements) before the first class session.