A subtitle of this seminar could also be: "Who is telling the story, and why?"
This seminar will look at moments and events that have shaped the image of U.S. politics, culture and society at home and abroad and analyze the role the media have been playing in the process."Media" in this context is a broadly defined term.
From the very first presidency of George Washington to the Obama administration, the U.S. Presidents have been depicted in popular media of their times as a reflection of national identity, leadership and American myths. This course will explore examples of the visualization and contextualization of the presidency and analyze artistic, fictional as well as non-fictional approaches to creating iconic images of America's "Number One." How might the first female President challenge these images?
We will engage in consultations with experts and excursions: a visit the Kennedy Museum to study the powerful and seductive imagery of the Kennedy administration, the first couple and their impact on popular culture; a panel discussion discussing 2016 election results; consultations at the U.S. Embassy to discuss how the Public Affairs section represents the U.S. to a foreign audience.
Your presentations will further investigate pivotal moments in American culture that have consciously or unconsciously shaped the United State's image abroad. Think, e.g., of the moon landing which manifested the image of a technologically advanced and adventurous nation going "where no one has gone before" during the Cold War. How did Public Diplomacy make use of this imagery, and how successful was this strategy? Not all images are positive: 9/11; the Vietnam or Iraq war; the Boston bombings, to name just a few.
Requirements:
This project based seminar follows an academic as well as hands-on approach. Knowledge based on academic research generated in the classroom will find a non-university audience. Discussions with experts and excursions will broaden our approach.
Students should have an interest in approaching U.S. history and politics via cultural studies. They should enjoy classroom discussions and presentations as well as writing.
Student tasks:
- Select a media moment and analyze its history, impact and connotations in a presentation (20 minutes).
- Write a blog entry draft about your topic to be discussed and peer- reviewed in the classroom. Successful blog entries will be published in the American Studies Journal Blog (blogasjournal.org). Blog entries can be enhanced by video clips or photos and incorporate other multi-media approaches.
A reader will be provided (details will follow). Please register via the HU Moodle platform.
Please note: This course will start on Friday, October 28 and include 12 sessions (120 minutes each). Student enrollment is limited to 20. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions, participate in the excursions and be somewhat flexible should sessions have to be rescheduled due to the instructor’s professional obligations.
FR 15 -17 (s.t.), DOR 1.502
BA AM (2014) Modul 8: Research, Practice, Writing |
