Course Objective

By the end of the module, students will be able to: (1) define and
explain some of the key concepts shaping American identity and ideology,
such as the American Dream, city upon a hill, the frontier, and the
melting pot; (2) demonstrate critical thinking when evaluating and
discussing terms, texts, and objects that have played a role in American
rhetoric, such as “freedom,” “diversity,” and “citizen”; (3) draw
connections between contemporary social, cultural, and political issues
and past events.

Course Content

In this module students learn to study the United States from an
interdisciplinary perspective. By looking at both fiction and nonfiction
texts, as well as expressions of popular culture, students will get a
better understanding of this complex and multifaceted country.

Teaching Methods

Seminar meetings, 2 x 2 hours per week.

Method of Assessment

Written exam.

Entry Requirements

Students must also take (or have taken) part in one of two other
modules: either (1) “Transatlantic Travel Writing”; or (2) “Social
History of the United States.”

Literature

To be announced.

Target Audience

This module is part of the minor package American Studies.

Additional Information

The level of English in this module is high.