| Kommentar |
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 mark a watershed moment for the United States – the era of the War on Terrorism. Within days after the attacks former President Bush declared war on every nation that harbors or supports terrorists and Osama bin Laden became the public enemy No. 1. Moreover, he made clear that the United States will not stop until every potential terrorist is found and brought to justice. After almost ten years the United States finally caught and killed bin Laden – but immediately declared that the war on terrorism is not over yet. The question which arises is – can the war on terrorism be won or will it turn into a never ending story? This is one the questions this seminar aims at investigating. Furthermore students are introduced to a variety of topics closely connected to the war on terrorism and its impact on American culture and society. In the course of this seminar we will have a close look at presidential speeches, the problem of Islamophobia as well as a variety of artistic responses to the ongoing war on terrorism. Short introductory texts on the various topics will provide the needed background for our discussion of the cultural and social impact of the war on terrorism.
Course Readings:
- John Updike Terrorist. Random House: New York , 2007. ISBN: 978-0345498755
- A reader containing all additional texts will be made available at the copy shop on Reckhammerweg 4 after the first class meeting.
|
