As Alexis de Tocqueville has noted as early as 1835 in Democracy in America, the degree of individualism in the United States has long been extraordinary on account of the political, geographical, demographic and social conditions in the country. This individualism has led to constant discussions about "the good life" and the markers of personal identities. The struggle of women and later gays, lesbians and transgender persons for equal rights and recognition, as well as the struggle of African-Americans and non-white ethnicities has further fueled this debate. In this class we will explore theories of personal identities with a special emphasis on gender, race and bodies; and we will discuss five cultural texts (see below) in their relation to the question of self-thematization, self-assertion and self-definition. We will start with theoretical texts on identity theory (so please obtain the reader early on) and then proceed to discussions of the novels and movie. Please sign yourself up for this class in the virtual classroom in Moodle! The key is "Identity" (Course at PhilFak II/Anglistik-Amerikanistik). No registration through Agnes! Readings and Viewing: · Theoretical Texts will be collected in a reader available at Sprintout (S-Bahn Bögen) by April 1st. · Nella Larsen (1928), Quicksand · James Baldwin (1962), Another Country · Boys Don't Cry (1999), dir. Kimberly Peirce, 114 min. · Alison Bechdel (2006), Fun Home · Mohsin Hamid (2007), The Reluctant Fundamentalist Course Requirements: Regular participation, short (half page) personal reviews of two of the primary sources (books or film). As a Module examination you can choose to write a term paper (15 pages) optionally about topics of this seminar or the other seminar in the module. For gender study students other regulations may apply. |
