LFU:online

Institut für Amerikastudien Institut für Amerikastudien

Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Arno Heller Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Arno Heller

610012

New Regionalism

SE 2

wöch.

keine Angabe

Englisch

A striking paradox can be observed in the contemporary cultural arena in the US. While the process of homogenization in the wake of a globalized (popular) mass culture predominates a simultaneous counterwave of heterogenization and decentralization has moved into the center of interest since the late 1980s, with regional culture and literature thriving across the US. The phenomenon can be put under the general motto "local versus global" and reaches far beyond the regional or even American context. It is not just a return to the old type of regionalism that flourished in the 1930s and 40s with its often ideologically conservative and parochial tendencies. The new regionalism radically re-examines the old premises within a more universal, multiethnic, and gender-oriented framework. Although the phenomenon occurs in most American regions the seminar puts an exemplary focus on the Southwest. In an introductory section the theoretical reorientation of regionalism will be discussed within the context of cultural history. Then central aspects will be analyzed on the basis of literary works by Leslie Marmon Silko, Simon Ortiz, Rudolfo Anaya, John Nichols and others. Also Robert Redford’s film "The Milagro Beanfield War" and Herbert Bibermanns cult film "Salt of the Earth" will be included in the discussion

Regular attendance and participation in the class discussions and group work; reading of the texts and viewing of the films in class; a 16-18 page paper in English in accordance with the MLA style sheet; a handout (2-3 pages); presentation of paper in class (20 minutes), also in cooperation with colleagues and in team groups; at least two appointments with SE leader, one before and one after the presentation in class.

written and oral

Students must have completed their "1. Studienabschnitt"
Beginn: 7.3.2007