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This lecture will provide an introduction to core non-fictional texts and images of North American cultural history from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, which discuss issues such as European colonization, Christian missionizing, immigration and nation building, economic exploitation, racial segregation, as well as multiple forms of communal strives for democratization and equal opportunities. Material to be studied includes
- written approximations to indigenous orature such as the Iroquois creation myths
- exploration literature such as the reports of Samuel de Champlain and Captain John Smith
- scribal culture including the letters of Abigail Adams and Emily Dickinson
- political pamphlets published in contexts such as the American Revolution, the Mexican-American War, abolition and prohibition
- legal texts such as the Supreme Court ruling Cherokee Nation vs Georgia
- journalism such as newspaper discussions of lynchings or the L.A. race riots
This material will be studied with the goal to arrive at a better understanding of major trends and concepts that have shaped North American cultures across the centuries (among them industry, thrift, faith, race, justice, self-reliance, liberty). As literary and cultural scholars we will pay special attention to the conjunctions between aesthetics and semantics in texts and images that sought to inform and convince rather than please, entertain or educate their readers.
A reader with the relevant material is available at the copy-shop in the Reckhammerweg two weeks prior to the first session. Prospective participants are expected to purchase the reader before our first meeting. Please prepare the reading material for each session in advance. Requirements for successful completion of the course: preparation of reading material and definition of key terms for each session, passing of mid-term and end of term quiz . |
