Based on a close look at decisive socio-political moments in American history as well as theories of cultural difference the course will discuss constitutive aspects of defining cultural diversity in the United States past and present. Drawing on a wide array of print, visual and digital texts we will analyse various representations of “the difference within” (such as the American East and West, North and South, urban and rural America etc.) in an effort to identify versions of American culture as they are narrated in literary, visual and digital manifestations. This analytical work will be accompanied by a strong practical dimension that seeks to produce concrete teaching projects for grades 7 to 13. Hence, the course will collaborate with the Fachbereich English of an Integrated Secondary School in Berlin offering ample opportunities for implementing teaching projects resulting from the course both in the school classroom and at the university. The course will conclude with a colloquium that intends to provide a forum for a dialogue among students and teachers on the teaching projects developed throughout the course. Course requirements include regular and active class participation, one in-class presentation/teaching project and a final paper of 15 pages. Please register for the course via AGNES. |
