How to Write a Term Paper | Betreuungsübung B.A. Amerikanistik

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Übung, 2 SWS, ECTS: 2

Termine:

Einzeltermin am 6.5.2022, Einzeltermin am 20.5.2022, Einzeltermin am 3.6.2022, Einzeltermin am 24.6.2022, Einzeltermin am 8.7.2022, 12:00 - 16:00, U5/01.17

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Module Allocation:

"How to Write a Term Paper" in literary or cultural studies

• B.A. Anglistik/Amerikanistik (Übung 2 ECTS im Basismodul oder Aufbaumodul)
• Lehramtsstudiengänge Englisch: (Übung 2 ECTS im Basismodul oder Aufbaumodul)
• Studium Generale (not BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik!)

"Thesis Supervision" in literary or cultural studies

• B.A. Anglistik/Amerikanistik (nur HF mit B.A.-Arbeit) (Betreuungsübung 2 ECTS)
• B.A. Medieval Studies: (Intensivierungsmodul 2 ECTS, wenn die B.A.-Arbeit in Kulturwissenschaft geschrieben wird)

Please contact the instructor beforehand to discuss your general idea and the possibility of thesis supervision!

2. Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

• active participation (individual tasks and group work)
• only B.A. candidates: completion of respective advanced level module (Aufbaumodul)
• Only Studium Generale, exchange students, and B.A. candidates: final presentation in English

3. FlexNow-Registration:

• Course Participation (de)enrollment: March 15 – May 01, 2022
• ECTS/Exam (de)registration: June 01 – July 01, 2022

Guest auditors: please contact lecturer via e-mail.

Information on how to solve problems with your registration: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/anglistik/studium/informationen-zu-flexnow/

Für Studienortwechsler, Erasmusstudenten sowie Studierende, die den Leistungsnachweis zur baldigen Prüfungsanmeldung benötigen, werden im begrenzten Umfang Plätze freigehalten. Bei Überbuchung der Lehrveranstaltung fällt die Entscheidung über die Teilnahme in Rücksprache mit der Dozentin.

Inhalt:

This course aims to assist students in the Basismodul in writing their first term paper in literary or cultural studies in Bamberg. We will discuss general formal aspects and content related criteria of an academic paper, such as possible topics, structure, suitable theoretical approaches. Primarily, however, we will practice how to choose a topic, how to develop a coherent structure, how to involve theoretical frameworks, and how to adhere to the MLA citation rules. Finally, we will discuss the different types of source material that are suitable for the list of references of your paper. Students have the chance to present a provisional outline in a closed discussion forum, where they will receive feedback from fellow students and the instructor.

This course is also addressed at students in the Vertiefungsmodul who are preparing or working at a BA-thesis in American Literature or Culture. Therefore, this course provides the guidance sessions for the BA thesis (Betreuungsübung) for students in the BA programs who write their thesis in literary or cultural studies. It assists students in the preparation of their final paper, and gives them an opportunity to discuss their work with other students. BA-candidates will present parts of their final paper, offering it for discussion and feedback. If you are planning to attend this class, make sure that the instructor will also be your thesis advisor. Please contact Ms. Konopka well in advance to discuss your topic and the requirements for the supervision.

Please note that this is a practical training course and not a lecture! You are expected to participate in the tasks and discussions.

In the Spotlight: A Survey of US-American Literary History (e-learning course)

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Proseminar, 2 SWS, ECTS: 6, Gender und Diversität, Dies ist ein reines Online-Seminar. Anmeldung erfolgt über die VHB!

Termine:

Zeit n.V., Online-Webinar
Der Kurs findet ausschließlich virtuell statt. Er steht über die virtuelle Hochschule Bayern Studierenden aller bayerischen Universitäten bzw. Hochschulen zur Verfügung.

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Module Allocation:

All modules including an advanced level seminar (Aufbaumodul) for literary studies:

• BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (Seminar 6 ECTS)
• Lehramt GS/HS/MS/RS/GY (Seminar 6 ECTS)

>> NOT open for ‘Ergänzungsmodul’ literary studies!

2. Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

• completion of the basic module literary studies (Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft)
• active participation (individual tasks and group work)
• term paper in English (following the Style Sheet)

3. Registration:

• via Virtuelle Hochschule Bayern!
• Course Participation (de)enrollment: March 15 – April 29, 2022 (via vhb website!)
• ECTS/Exam (de)registration: June 01 – July 01, 2022 (via email to the instructor!)

Die Lehrveranstaltung ist dauerhaft als Online-Kurs konzipiert. Sie steht über die virtuelle Hochschule Bayern [https://www.vhb.org/startseite ] Studierenden aller bayerischen Universitäten bzw. Hochschulen zur Verfügung.

Zur Kursdemo auf dem Virtuellen Campus: https://vc.uni-bamberg.de/course/view.php?id=27003

Inhalt:

This seminar is an internet-based survey course that offers students in the “Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft” an overview of the main developments in US-American literary history. The class will help students to understand the links between literary periods, their central ideas, and important stylistic features. The course provides participants with detailed information about the complexities that underlie and connect each literary work and period. The course’s other main goal is to familiarize students with key texts and key discourses of US-American literature, such as race, class, and gender. The texts were chosen because they either represent crucial aspects of their respective literary periods, or because they address topics and concepts that were controversial at this particular point in history.

Despite being an E-Learning course, this is a discussion-based class, so active participation is crucial. Participants are required to contribute to class discussions by posting at least two quality responses per forum. Your learning process will be enabled through your active involvement in the different assignments, which are designed to allow you as much creative freedom as possible while assisting you in your reading and understanding of the poems, short stories, novels, and plays.

Empfohlene Literatur:

Most readings will be made available via the Learning Management System (VC/Moodle).
Two texts, however, need to be acquired by each participant individually:

• Kate Chopin, The Awakening (1899)
• Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five, or The Children’s Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death (1969)

Introduction to British and American Cultural Studies (Course 3)

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Proseminar, 3 SWS, ECTS: 6, Gaststudierendenverzeichnis, Studium Generale, Gender und Diversität, Kultur und Bildung

Termine:

Mi, 16:00 - 18:00, MG1/00.04
Einzeltermin am 12.5.2022, 18:00 - 20:00, MG1/00.04
The class starts at 4 p.m. SHARP!

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Module Allocation:

All degrees requiring an introductory seminar for their basic module in cultural studies (Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft):

• BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (seminar 6 ECTS)
• BA Berufliche Bildung (seminar 6 ECTS)
• BA Interdisziplinäre Mittelalterstudien/Medieval Studies (seminar 2 ECTS)
• BSc. BWL (seminar 6 ECTS)
• Lehramt GS/HS/MS/RS/GY (seminar 5 or 6 ECTS)
• MA WiPäd (seminar 6 ECTS)

2. Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

• 6 ECTS: active participation in the seminar, final written exam
• 8 ECTS (module exam): active participation in the seminar, final written exam

3. FlexNow-Registration:

• Course Participation (de)enrollment: March 15 May 01, 2022
• ECTS/Exam (de)registration: June 01 July 01, 2022

Guest auditors: please contact lecturer via e-mail.

Information on how to solve problems with your registration: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/anglistik/studium/informationen-zu-flexnow/

Für Studienortwechsler, Erasmusstudenten sowie Studierende, die den Leistungsnachweis zur baldigen Prüfungsanmeldung benötigen, werden im begrenzten Umfang Plätze freigehalten. Bei Überbuchung der Lehrveranstaltung fällt die Entscheidung über die Teilnahme in Rücksprache mit der Dozentin.

Inhalt:

This course offers an introduction to key themes and methods in American cultural studies as an interdisciplinary field of inquiry. Thematically, we will explore issues such as religion and immigration, the frontier and regionalism, class and economic success, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, America as nature s nation; conceptually, the focus will be on equality and difference as utopian ideas that have shaped American culture from colonial times to the present.

The course is designed to provide you with basic skills in American cultural studies, with a strong emphasis on reading and discussing various texts in their cultural contexts. Our primary readings will include short stories, poems, and excerpts from novels as well as historical documents, essays, political speeches, photographs, popular songs, and films, while several theoretical essays will provide us with a language for discussing changing concepts of culture.

Empfohlene Literatur:

All readings will be provided via the VC!

Introduction to English and American Literary Studies (Course B)

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Proseminar, 2 SWS, ECTS: 6, Gaststudierendenverzeichnis, Studium Generale, Gender und Diversität

Termine:

Do, 16:00 - 18:00, MG1/00.04
Einzeltermin am 30.6.2022, 16:00 - 17:30, U5/01.18
Einzeltermin am 4.8.2022, 16:00 - 18:00, MG1/00.04
The session on June 30 will take place in another room or online!

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Module Allocation:

All degrees requiring an introductory seminar for their basic module in literary studies (Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft):

• BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (seminar 6 or 8 ECTS)
• BA Berufliche Bildung (seminar 6 ECTS)
• BA Interdisziplinäre Mittelalterstudien/Medieval Studies (seminar 2 ECTS)
• BSc. BWL (seminar 6 ECTS)
• Lehramt GS/HS/MS/RS/GY (seminar 6 or 8 ECTS)
• MA WiPäd (seminar 6 ECTS)

2. Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

• 6 ECTS: active participation in the seminar, course tutorial, library tutorial, final written exam
• 8 ECTS (module exam): active participation in the seminar, course tutorial, library tutorial, final written exam (see additional information below!)

The following applies ONLY to students whose Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft contains BOTH the Introduction to Literary Studies and a lecture (see module handbook):

As of now, the final written exam of this Introduction to Literary Studies is also the module exam for the Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft. The exam will contain questions about both the content of the Introduction and the lecture (free choice: English or American Literature lecture). Students, therefore, are advised to take the introductory class either after attending the lecture OR in the same semester.

3. FlexNow-Registration:

• Course Participation (de)enrollment: April 19 May 01, 2022
• ECTS/Exam (de)registration: June 01 July 01, 2022

Guest auditors: please contact lecturer via e-mail.

Information on how to solve problems with your registration: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/anglistik/studium/informationen-zu-flexnow/
WICHTIG: Es stehen diverse Parallelkurse zur Verfügung. Den Termin A finden Sie in Flexnow bei der Englischen Literaturwissenschaft, den Termin B bei der Amerikanistik. Bitte entscheiden Sie sich frühzeitig für EINEN Termin!

Für Studienortwechsler, Erasmusstudenten sowie Studierende, die den Leistungsnachweis zur baldigen Prüfungsanmeldung benötigen, werden im begrenzten Umfang Plätze freigehalten. Bei Überbuchung des Seminars fällt die Entscheidung über die Teilnahme in Rücksprache mit der Dozentin.

Inhalt:

This course provides a concise introduction to major themes and methods in the study of English and American literature with a focus on American literature.

We will discuss key features of the main literary genres poetry, prose fiction, and drama, explore selected approaches in literary theory and criticism as a basis for analyzing and interpreting literary texts, and survey the main periods and developments of American literary history. The focus, however, will be on the discussion of textual examples from these various vantage points. The goal of this course is to enable you to articulate up-to-date readings of texts from different genres, in their cultural contexts, informed by key theories and analytical methods.

Please note that all Introductions to English and American Literary Studies prepare students for the analysis and interpretation of both English and American literature. The only difference is that the Introduction taught by members of the English Literature section uses literary examples from a primarily British context, and the one taught by members of the American Studies section uses primarily American examples. Choosing one or the other Introduction does not mean that you "specialize" in English or American literature, and you don't have to take your later courses in the same area.

Empfohlene Literatur:

Required Reading:

Michael Meyer. English and American Literature. 4th ed. UTB Basic. Tübingen: Francke, 2010. (or a newer edition; Ebook welcome!)

All other readings will be provided via the VC!

Key Texts in Literary Theory (Methodenübung für das Ergänzungsmodul Literaturwissenschaft)

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Übung, 1 SWS, ECTS: 1, Gender und Diversität

Termine:

Mi, 12:00 - 14:00, U9/01.11
Sessions: April 27, May 04, May 18, June 01, June 15, June 22, July 06, July 20

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Module Allocation:

• BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (Key Texts in Literary Theories Übung 1 ECTS)
• alle alten Studiengänge (Übung literary studies 1 ECTS)
• Studium Generale (Übung1 ECTS)

>> NOT Open for ‘Ergänzungsmodul’ cultural studies!

2. Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

• active participation (individual tasks and group work)
• oral exam (see website for details: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/amerikanistik/studium/ergaenzungsmodul-ba/ )

3. FlexNow-Registration:

• Course Participation (de)enrollment: March 15 – May 01, 2022
• ECTS/Exam (de)registration: June 01 – July 01, 2022

Guest auditors: please contact lecturer via e-mail.

Information on how to solve problems with your registration: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/anglistik/studium/informationen-zu-flexnow/

Für Studienortwechsler, Erasmusstudenten sowie Studierende, die den Leistungsnachweis zur baldigen Prüfungsanmeldung benötigen, werden im begrenzten Umfang Plätze freigehalten. Bei Überbuchung der Lehrveranstaltung fällt die Entscheidung über die Teilnahme in Rücksprache mit der Dozentin.

Inhalt:

In this seminar, we will study trends and schools in literary theory since the 1950s. Our reading includes key texts by thinkers identified with formalism and structuralism, deconstruction and post-structuralism, gender studies and queer theory, psychoanalytical criticism, (Neo-)Marxism and Cultural Materialism, New Historicism, postcolonial criticism, and reader-response theory.

The course is intended to assist students in both finding their own approaches towards primary texts and in identifying mind-sets and methods applied in the secondary sources they read in their other seminars: "What theory demonstrates [...] is that there is no position free of theory, not even the one called common sense." (V. B. Leitch).

This class is based not only on the reading, but also the in-depth analysis of theoretical writing. Therefore, students are expected to prepare diligently for each session by (1) reading the assigned text(s), (2) studying each text's background/context, and (3) establishing some basic understanding of the theory discussed in the respective text before coming to class! Only then will it be possible for us to engage in critical discussion during our sessions. In sum, it is important for participants to do the assigned reading, attend all sessions and contribute to class discussions. Your input is mandatory and will be welcome!

Empfohlene Literatur:

A course reader will be available for students of this class one week BEFORE the first session.

Media Session “The American West”

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Sonstige Lehrveranstaltung, Gaststudierendenverzeichnis

Termine:

Mi, 20:00 - 22:30, U5/00.24
First Session: May 04, 2022

Inhalt:

The Media Session is designed as an extension of those classes of the American Studies Section that work with movies. However, we encourage all students to attend the movie sessions, because we show American classics as well as classics inspired by America.

This semester’s media session is dedicated to movies that classify as "Western". We will introduce the audience to cinematic classics - and some newcomers - about the American Old West, and learn about the evolution of this popular but also contested genre.

Please send an email to the instructors for the exact schedule!

The American West:ern: Exploring the Myth, the Place, the Genre

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Übung, 2 SWS, ECTS: 2, Gaststudierendenverzeichnis, Studium Generale, Gender und Diversität, Kultur und Bildung

Termine:

Mo, 12:00 - 14:00, SP17/00.13

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Module Allocation:

All modules including an obligatory or optional reading tutorial (Übung) for literary studies or cultural studies:

• BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik
• LA GS/HS/MS/RS/GY
• MA English and American Studies
• MA WiPäd
• Erweiterungsbereich English and American Studies
• Studium Generale (not BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik!)

>> OPEN for Consolidation Module literary studies and cultural studies!

2. Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

• active participation (individual tasks and group work)
• only Consolidation module: oral exam (see website for more information: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/amerikanistik/studium/consolidation-module-ma/ )

3. FlexNow-Registration:

• Course Participation (de)enrollment: March 15 – May 01, 2022
• ECTS/Exam (de)registration: June 01 – July 01, 2022

Guest auditors: please contact lecturer via e-mail.

Information on how to solve problems with your registration: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/anglistik/studium/informationen-zu-flexnow/

Für Studienortwechsler, Erasmusstudenten sowie Studierende, die den Leistungsnachweis zur baldigen Prüfungsanmeldung benötigen, werden im begrenzten Umfang Plätze freigehalten. Bei Überbuchung der Lehrveranstaltung fällt die Entscheidung über die Teilnahme in Rücksprache mit der Dozentin.

Inhalt:

In this class, we will explore the ongoing fascination with the American Old West – in the US and abroad. Based on a wide range of source material, we will critically discuss cultural narratives such as the western frontier, manifest destiny, westward expansion, and American exceptionalism – as well as their corresponding counter-narratives.

To gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of cultural production and its socio-political, as well as artistic implications, we will work with literary text and, of course, Western movies, but also paintings, photography, music, episodes from TV series, and even life-style expressions such as architecture, fashion, and food. We will explore how all of those cultural expressions shaped and still shape our image of the American West and – by extension – our image of the United States of America.

ATTENTION: This is a READING class! Participants must be able to read and review quite a lot of material between the weekly sessions. The class is also designed to assist you with the reading list of the American Studies Section and aims to contribute to your understanding of key aspects of North American literature and culture. Most of the material will be provided via the Virtual Campus ahead of each session. Students are, however, required to purchase three novels (print or e-book) and finish reading the first one before the beginning of the semester (see below)!

Empfohlene Literatur:

Required Reading:

• Owen Wister, The Virginian (1902) – read before the first session!
• Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie (1935)
• Rikke Villadsen, Cowboy (2020, graphic novel)

Make sure to order all of the books (print or e-book) well before the start of class, as some texts might take some time to be delivered!

In connection to this class, this term’s weekly media session will show classic examples of and modern takes on the Western movie. The Media Session takes place Wednesdays, 8-10 p.m. (sharp), in lecture hall U5/00.24. Attendance is optional, but highly recommended.