230539 Introduction to American Civilization / Culture Studies (S) (WiSe 2008/2009)

This course will introduce students to central questions and methods of American culture studies. What exactly is "American"? And what does it mean to do "American Studies"?
The course draws on the interdisciplinary interpretative frameworks of international American culture studies to examine the multiple ways in which "American" has been defined and interpreted. Focusing mainly on the period from WW2 to the present, we will deal with issues like national identity, migration, class, social movements, and social justice. Class materials include fiction, film, photography, historical essays, oral histories, and autobiography.

Course Objectives

This course aims to

• provide an interdisciplinary framework for the study of US American cultures.
• promote individual inquiry and collaborative interaction and to nurture critical thinking skills.
• focus on the analysis of events, movements, groups, and individuals who have shaped and continue to shape the American cultural past and present.

Requirements

Regular attendance, please. In addition, class participation is expected in terms of discussing readings, listening actively, sharing ideas, working collaboratively, and preparing a presentation/workshop in small groups. In addition, you will need to pass a final exam in order to receive credit for this class.