From Benjamin Franklin to "The Girls Next Door": The Rags-to-Riches Narrative in American Culture

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Termine:

Di, 18:00 - 20:00, U9/01.11

Inhalt:

The United States are often described as the land of opportunity, the place where people from all over the world hope to be given a new chance. Consequently, there are plenty of success stories to be found in American culture: the ugly duckling who becomes a beautiful celebrity; the nerdy underdog who becomes the richest man on the planet; or the poor Jewish immigrant from a small market town in Upper Franconia who invents a garment that becomes a global fashion staple.

However, the rags-to-riches myth and the cultural narrative of the American Dream are as much exclusive as they are inclusive, thus encouraging new beginnings and personal aspirations, but also breaking individuals and their hopes and dreams. This class will follow the trail of the rags-to-riches myth through US-American history, tracing its footsteps in a fast-paced culture that grants little room for failure and promotes material success above all other accomplishments.

Most of the material will be provided via the Virtual Campus ahead of each session. Students are, however, required to purchase and read some texts (see list below) before the beginning of the semester – either in print or as e-book. Make sure that you order your copy of the books well in advance! It is also important for participants to do the assignments, attend class regularly, and actively contribute to class discussions. You are welcome to bring in materials from outside of class (newspaper articles, handouts etc.) and you can also plan class room activities e.g. mock debates. Your input is welcome!

Empfohlene Literatur:

• Horatio Alger Jr., Ragged Dick; or, Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks (1867) - preferably the Signet Classics edition
• William Dean Howells, The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885) - preferably the Penguin Classics edition
• Edward Albee, The American Dream (1961) - preferably the Signet Books edition

All other texts we will discuss in class will be made available as PDF.