LFU:online

Advanced knowledge and understanding of the various narratives that have contributed to the image and idea of the US; ability to critically analyze, deconstruct, and correct reductive and inadequate imaginations of the US not exclusively but particularly in film and television. The online transatlantic exchange will foster the students' cross-cultural communication competency and they will gain and be able to express a more nuanced view of American culture.

From the fictional Rip Van Winkle, Scarlett O'Hara, and Captain America to the historical but nonetheless fictionalized Pocahontas, Jesse James, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg – the story of the United States has brought forth many 'mythical' figures and comprised many distinct and often contradicting narratives that have been revised, criticized, and/or defended. What began as "virgin land" eventually became famous for Disneyland – two concepts that could not be more different, apart from the fact that they are arguably of similar cultural importance for the country's (self-)image and also, significantly, equally imaginary. In this course, we will look at the different narratives of the US and how they manifest themselves particularly in film and television.

Readings and viewings will guide students through the most important 'mythologies' of the US and equip them with the necessary tools to evaluate and critically engage with these narratives. Furthermore, a central part of this class is an online exchange with students from our partner university Appalachian State University (ASU) that will include joint group discussions and presentations.

lecture inputs, weekly viewings/readings, student presentations, group discussions, online student exchange

active class participation, student presentations, reading/writing assignments, and term paper

Some course materials and selected primary and secondary sources will be posted on OLAT.

for the Bachelor Program (612): positive completion of compulsory module 14
for Bachelor Program Lehramt (457): positive completion of compulsory module 16

For students of the BA Teacher Training Program (457), it is strongly recommended to have passed the VU Introduction to American Cultures.