The course examines significant moments in the emergence of transatlanticism based upon of Europe’s and America’s/the United States’ notions and images of one another from the 18th century to the present. The in-depth discussion will be based upon historical documents and cultural texts with equal attention to sources from America/the US and Europe/Germany in an effort to explore and evaluate the major theoretical and rhetorical paradigms (and the shifts therein) informing the perceptions as well as cultural constructions of the “other” past and present. Moreover, the course investigates and evaluates recent manifestations of Anti-Americanism and analyses the ideological and cultural coordinates of current anti-American concepts in Europe/Germany as well as concepts of Europe as a socio-cultural model for the 21st century. In conclusion, the politics of the current US-Administration will be discussed in terms of their impact on transatlantic relations as well as on dealing with global challenges, particularly in the Middle East. Course requirements include active class preparation and participation as well as one in-class presentation. The final exam (MAP) consists of a paper of 15 pages. |
