230774 Englisch: American History and Law - Lecture and Discussion (S) (WiSe 2024/2025)

The United States has had a turbulent history which often impacts the world at large. The last decade has seen unprecedented change, and the presidential election in November 2024 should prove to be a turning point. In this course we will discuss important elements of US history and law, with special attention paid to the election and its aftermath.

This course has two parts:
1. There will be three Tuesday evening lectures about important issues in US American politics. These courses will be open to everyone, but students registered in this course should plan to attend all three.
2. Three seminar meetings will be dedicated to each lecture. These meetings will include in-depth discussion of the US American landscape, debating on contentious issues, and group work dedicated to exploring these issues.

At the end of the semester, you will be required to write a term paper on one of the issues discussed in class.

Schedule:

Introductory meeting: 14.10.2024, 16-18 (Monday)

Topic #1: American Isolationism, the American election and its possible consequences for the world

Lecture: Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024, 17-20
Seminar meetings: (Mondays, 16-18)
28.10.2024
04.11.2024
11.11.2024

Topic #2: Freedom of religion in the United States

Lecture: Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, 17-20
Seminar meetings: (Mondays, 16-18)
25.11.2024
02.12.2024
19.12.2024

Topic #3: Prohibition and legalization of cannabis and other intoxicating substances in the United States

Lecture: Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 17-20
Seminar meetings: (Mondays, 16-18)
13.01.2025
20.01.2025
27.01.2025

Teilnahmevoraussetzungen, notwendige Vorkenntnisse

No placement test is required for this course, but a minimum of B2 English is recommended.