Vorlesungen suchen

1. Modulzuordnung und Zugangsvoraussetzungen:

B.A. Anglistik/Amerikanistik (nur HF mit B.A.-Arbeit): Vertiefungsmodul Kulturwissenschaft: Betreuungsübung (2 ECTS), Zugangsvoraussetzung: Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft
B.A. Medieval Studies: Intensivierungsmodul Anglistik/Amerikanistik (2 ECTS), wenn die B.A.-Arbeit in Kulturwissenschaft geschrieben wird; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Aufbaumodul Anglistik
alle alten Studiengänge: Übung Kulturwissenschaft

2. Voraussetzungen zur Schein- bzw. Punktevergabe:

regelmäßige aktive Teilnahme
Präsentation

3. An- und Abmeldung (FlexNow) / Enrollment: Via FlexNow

An-/Abmeldung zur Lehrveranstaltung: 28.3.-28.4.
An-/ Abmeldung zur Prüfung: 14.6.-14.7.

Studierende melden sich bitte zusätzlich per e-mail bei der Dozentin des Kurses an

Inhalt:

This course is addressed at students who are preparing or working at a BA-thesis in American Literature or Culture. It supports students while preparing or writing their theses, and gives them the opportunity to present and discuss their work with other students.

We will discuss general formal aspects and criteria of a thesis such as possible topics, structure, suitable theoretical approaches. Participants will present (parts of) their thesis, offering it for discussion and feedback. For students in the BA programs, who write their thesis in literary studies, this course provides the Betreuungsübung . The presentation of the thesis in a plenary session (max. 30 minutes) will be graded and counts as "mündliche Modulteilprüfung" in the BA-program. Depending on the native tongue of the participants, the course will be given in English or German.

The course will take place every two weeks. Our first meeting will take place on May 3d.

Betreuungsübung (Konopka/Literatur)

Dozent/in:: Nicole K. Konopka
Angaben:: Übung, 2 SWS
Termine:: jede 2. Woche Mi, 12:00 - 14:00, U9/01.11
vom 26.4.2017 bis zum 19.7.2017

From Gossip Girl to Dust Bowl Okie: The Representation of Social Class in American Literature and Culture (PS Cultural Studies)

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Proseminar, 2 SWS, ECTS: 6, Gaststudierendenverzeichnis, Studium Generale, Kultur und Bildung

Termine:

Fr, 14:00 - 16:00, U5/02.18
Einzeltermin am 2.6.2017, 12:00 - 18:00, U5/01.17

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Modulzuordnung und Zugangsvoraussetzung / Part of modules resp. courses of study:

BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (Studienbeginn ab WS 14/15): Ergänzungsmodul Kulturwissenschaft Seminar (je nach Belegung 7, 5, oder 4 ECTS)
BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik: Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft
BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik: Aufbaumodul Britische und Amerikanische Kultur: Seminar Britische Kultur 6 ECTS; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft
BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (bis einschließl. Studienbeginn zum WS 2008/09): freie Erweiterung: Seminar 6 ECTS
BA Berufliche Bildung: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS
Lehramt neu GHS: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft b: Seminar 6 ECTS; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Introduction to British and American Cultural Studies
Lehramt neu RS: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Introduction to British and American Cultural Studies (= Einführung)
Lehramt neu GY: Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft
Lehramt neu GY (Kombination mit Russisch): Wahlpflichtmodul Literaturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS
LA alt (alle), Magister, Diplom: Proseminar II Kulturwissenschaft; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Introduction to British and American Cultural Studies
Master Wirtschaftspädagogik, Studienrichtung II: Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft 6 ECTS

2. Voraussetzungen für Punktevergabe / Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

active participation
term paper in English (following the Style Sheet)
Übung "Einführung in die Datenbankrecherche für Anglisten" (one-off event, enrollment via the Virtual Campus, Bereich "Bibliothek")

3. An- und Abmeldung / Enrollment:
via FlexNow (Students without access to FlexNow (Erasmus or Joint Degree) please send an email to the teacher of this class.)

An-/Abmeldung zur Lehrveranstaltung: 28.3.-28.4.
An-/ Abmeldung zur Prüfung: 14.6.-14.7.

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/dem Dozenten.

Studierende, die an der Lehrveranstaltung als Gäste teilnehmen wollen, melden sich bitte nicht über FlexNow! sondern per Email an und erscheinen zur ersten Sitzung; erst dann kann endgültig geklärt werden, ob Gäste aufgenommen werden können.

Informationen on how to enrol via FlexNow: http://www.uni-bamberg.de/englit/news_englische_literaturwissenschaft/anmeldung_zu_lehrveranstaltungen_und_studienbegleitenden_leistungsnachweisen/

Inhalt:

Despite the persistency of the myth that US American society is a classless society, social class is a very popular topic across genres and times in American literature and culture. In this class we will trace the establishment and effects of social hierarchies throughout American literary and cultural history, in order to come to a better understanding of today s social realities in the US. Our primary reading will consist of three novels and one play (see below), as well as one movie, but additional material (short stories, poems, songs and pictures) will be part of the course curriculum, too.

NOTE: This seminar will include one block session on June 2nd (12 6 p.m.), when we will watch and critically discuss the movie Capitalism: A Love Story (Michael Moore, 2010) together with students from a seminar on Reviewing Capitalism from the Theology Department.

All course material (except for the novels see below) will be provided well ahead of class via the Virtual Campus. Make sure that you order your copy of the books well in advance! It is important for participants to do the assigned reading, attend class regularly and 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 will be welcome!

Our first meeting will take place on May 5.

Empfohlene Literatur:

Required Reading: (print or e-book)

Upton Sinclair, The Jungle (1906)
John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men (1937)
Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun (1959)
Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007)

From Gossip Girl to Dust Bowl Okie: The Representation of Social Class in American Literature and Culture (PS Literary Studies)

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Proseminar, 2 SWS, ECTS: 6, Gaststudierendenverzeichnis, Studium Generale, Kultur und Bildung

Termine:

Fr, 14:00 - 16:00, U5/02.18
Einzeltermin am 2.6.2017, 12:00 - 18:00, U5/01.17

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Modulzuordnung und Zugangsvoraussetzung / Part of modules resp. courses of study:

BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (Studienbeginn ab WS 14/15): Ergänzungsmodul Literaturwissenschaft Seminar (je nach Belegung 7, 5, oder 4 ECTS)
BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik: Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft
BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (bis einschließl. Studienbeginn zum WS 2008/09): freie Erweiterung: Seminar 6 ECTS
BA Berufliche Bildung: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS
Lehramt neu GHS: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft b: Seminar 6 ECTS; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Introduction to English and American Literature (= Einführung)
Lehramt neu RS: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Introduction to English and American Literature (= Einführung)
Lehramt neu GY: Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft
Lehramt neu GY (Kombination mit Russisch): Wahlpflichtmodul Literaturwissenschaft: Seminar 6 ECTS
LA alt (alle), Magister, Diplom: Proseminar II Literaturwissenschaft; Zugangsvoraussetzung: Introduction to English and American Literature
Master Wirtschaftspädagogik, Studienrichtung II: Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft 6 ECTS

2. Voraussetzungen für Punktevergabe / Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

active participation
term paper in English (following the Style Sheet)
Übung "Einführung in die Datenbankrecherche für Anglisten" (one-off event, enrollment via the Virtual Campus, Bereich "Bibliothek")

3. An- und Abmeldung / Enrollment:
via FlexNow (Students without access to FlexNow (Erasmus or Joint Degree) please send an email to the teacher of this class.)

An-/Abmeldung zur Lehrveranstaltung: 28.3.-28.4.
An-/ Abmeldung zur Prüfung: 14.6.-14.7.

Inhalt:

Empfohlene Literatur:

Required Reading: (print or e-book)

Upton Sinclair, The Jungle (1906)
John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men (1937)
Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun (1959)
Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007)

How to Write a Term Paper (B.A./M.A./L.A.) (Cultural Studies)

Dozent/in:: Nicole K. Konopka
Angaben:: Tutorien
Termine:: jede 2. Woche Mi, 12:00 - 14:00, U9/01.11
vom 3.5.2017 bis zum 26.7.2017
Inhalt:: This course aims to assist students in writing their first term paper in literary or cultural studies in Bamberg. We will discuss (and practice!) how to choose a topic, develop a coherent structure for a term paper, how to involve theoretical frameworks, and how to adhere to the MLA citation rules. You will also be asked to compile a short "Works Cited" list. Finally, we will discuss the different types of source material that can appear in the list of references of your term 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.

Due to spatial restrictions, the number of participants is limited to 20 students. If you are interested in participating in this exercise course send an Email to the instructor, who will then give you the password to the VC course of this class.

Please note that this is an exercise course and not a lecture! You will be expected to participate in the tasks and discussions. No ECTS points will be awarded for this class!
The course will take place every two weeks. Our first meeting will take place on May 10.

How to Write a Term Paper (B.A./M.A./L.A.) (Literary Studies)

Dozent/in:: Nicole K. Konopka
Angaben:: Tutorien
Termine:: jede 2. Woche Mi, 12:00 - 14:00, U9/01.11
vom 3.5.2017 bis zum 26.7.2017
Inhalt:: This course aims to assist students in writing their first term paper in literary or cultural studies in Bamberg. We will discuss (and practice!) how to choose a topic, develop a coherent structure for a term paper, how to involve theoretical frameworks, and how to adhere to the MLA citation rules. You will also be asked to compile a short "Works Cited" list. Finally, we will discuss the different types of source material that can appear in the list of references of your term 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.

Due to spatial restrictions, the number of participants is limited to 20 students. If you are interested in participating in this exercise course send an Email to the instructor, who will then give you the password to the VC course of this class.

Please note that this is an exercise course and not a lecture! You will be expected to participate in the tasks and discussions. No ECTS points will be awarded for this class!
The course will take place every two weeks. Our first meeting will take place on May 10.

Introduction to English and American Literature (C)

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Proseminar, 2 SWS, ECTS: 6

Termine:

Mi, 16:00 - 18:00, U2/00.25
Einzeltermin am 5.7.2017, 16:00 - 18:00, U7/01.05

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Modulzuordnung und Zugangsvoraussetzung / Part of modules resp. courses of study

BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft: Einführung (6 ECTS, inkl. Tutorium)
BA Interdisziplinäre Mittelalterstudien/Medieval Studies: Basismodul Anglistik: Einführung in die Englische Literaturwissenschaft (2 oder 6 ECTS)
BA Berufliche Bildung: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft: Einführung (6 ECTS)
Lehramt GHS: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft: Einführung (6 ECTS, inkl. Tutorium)
Lehramt RS: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft: Einführung (6 ECTS, inkl. Tutorium)
Lehramt GY: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft: Einführung (6 ECTS, inkl. Tutorium)
BSc BWL Studienschwerpunkt Wirtschaftspädagogik II: Basismodul Literaturrwissenschaft (6 ECTS mit Klausur, 2 ECTS ohne Klausur)

2. An- und Abmeldung / Enrollment via FlexNow (Students without access to FlexNow (Erasmus or Joint Degree) please send an email to the teacher of this class.)

An-/Abmeldung zur Lehrveranstaltung: 17. - 23.4.17
An-/ Abmeldung zur Prüfung: 14.6. - 14.7

WICHTIG: Es stehen diverse Parallelkurse zur Verfügung. Die Termine A, B und D finden Sie in Flexnow bei der Englischen Literaturwissenschaft, den Termin C bei der Amerikanistik. Bitte entscheiden Sie sich frühzeitig für EINEN Termin!

3. Tutorien / Tutorials
The following courses are supplementary to the seminar:

Tutorium to the "Introduction to English and American Literature" (no additional enrollment required!)
a one-off 2-hour course provided by the library: "Einführung in die Bibliotheksbenutzung für Anglisten" (enrollment via the Virtual Campus, access via "Bibliothek")

4. Voraussetzungen für Punktevergabe / Prerequisites for obtaining credit points
6 ECTS:

active participation
Übung "Einführung in die Bibliotheksbenutzung für Anglisten" (enrollment via the Virtual Campus, access via "Bibliothek")
final written exam

2 ECTS (nur BA Medieval Studies):

active participation
small tests

Inhalt:

This course provides a concise introduction to major themes and methods in the study of English and 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 English and 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 informed readings of texts from different genres, in their cultural contexts, and informed by key theories and analytical methods.
Please note that the first tutorial will take place AFTER the first regular session! Our first session will take place on May 3d!

Empfohlene Literatur:

Michael Meyer. English and American Literature. 4th ed. UTB Basic. Tübingen: Francke, 2010. (Required!)

Media Sessions "Celluloid Quest: Heroes, Heroines, and the American Cinema"

Dozent/in:: Nicole K. Konopka
Angaben:: Sonstige Lehrveranstaltung
Termine:: Fr, 16:00 - 18:00, U5/00.24
Einzeltermin am 28.7.2017, 18:00 - 20:00, U5/00.24
Inhalt:: The Media Session is designed as an extension of those classes of the American Department 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 we will focus on the quest as the central motif for our selection of films. The quest may here refer to the plot of the movie, or the creative process during the making of the movie. The program will include examples from the early times of cinema, as well as the more conventional Hollywood blockbuster. We will therefore explore the quest of movie making and the quest of beloved characters. Please send an email to the instructor if you are interested in the program!

Reading the Frontier: Westward Expansion in American Literature and Culture (Cultural Studies)

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Übung, 2 SWS, ECTS: 4, Studium Generale

Termine:

Fr, 10:15 - 11:45, U5/02.22
Einzeltermin am 19.5.2017, Einzeltermin am 26.5.2017, Einzeltermin am 2.6.2017, Einzeltermin am 16.6.2017, Einzeltermin am 23.6.2017, Einzeltermin am 14.7.2017, 10:15 - 11:45, U9/01.11

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Modulzuordnung und Zugangsvoraussetzung / Part of modules resp. courses of study:

BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik:

Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft: Übung (2 ECTS)
Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft: Übung (2 ECTS), Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft

BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (nur HF ohne BA-Arbeit):

Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft: Übung (2 ECTS)
Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft: Übung (2 ECTS), Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft
Vertiefungsmodul Kulturwissenschaft: Übung (2 ECTS), Zugangsvoraussetzung: Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft

MA Anglistik/Amerikanistik:

Mastermodul Kulturwissenschaft: Übung (2 ECTS)
Master-Vertiefungsmodul Kulturwissenschaft I oder II: Übung (2 ECTS)
Erweiterungsmodul I: Übung (2 ECTS)

Erweiterungsbereich Anglistik/Amerikanistik im Rahmen anderer MA: Erweiterungsmodul I:

Übung (2 ECTS)

Lehramt neu GHS: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft (4 ECTS)
Lehramt neu RS: Zusatzmodul Kulturwissenschaft
Lehramt neu GY: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft (2 ECTS)
Lehramt neu GY: Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft (2 ECTS), Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft
Lehramt neu GY (ab WS 11/2): Vertiefungsmodul Kulturwissenschaft (2 ECTS), Zugangsvoraussetzung: Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft
LA alt (alle), Diplom, Magister: Übung
Bachelor BWL, Studienschwerpunkt Wirtschaftspädagogik II: Basismodul Kulturwissenschaft (2 ECTS)
Master Wirtschaftspädagogik, Studienrichtung II: Aufbaumodul Kulturwissenschaft (2 ECTS)
Studium Generale: 2 od. 4 ECTS, NICHT für Studierende im BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik!

2. Voraussetzungen für Punktevergabe / Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

active participation
presentation (10-15 minutes)

3. An- und Abmeldung / Enrollment: via FlexNow

An-/Abmeldung zur Lehrveranstaltung: 28.3.-28.4.
An-/ Abmeldung zur Prüfung: 14.6.-14.7.

Inhalt:

The 19th century was a time of exploration, discovery, exploitation, and innovation. Much of what we perceive as America and American today was formed during this time. Thus, the literary and cultural output of the long nineteenth century merits closer examination, especially concerning the American West. One aim is to understand why the West still holds such an allure for citizens of the US and other nations. Through the material discussed in this class, students have the opportunity to experience the westward expansion and will become aware of (1) the difficulties people faced during their travels and (2) how meaning was and still is constructed through texts and images.

Apart from the experiences of explorers, pioneers, settlers and travelers we will also catch a glimpse of the life and struggles and resistance of the native people who already inhabited those lands and for whom the presence of European settlers was almost invariably a continuing catastrophe. We will see how the indigenous voice is present in most literary works, although seldom unfiltered or unprejudiced. The west was to be conquered, either through harsh or gentle means. In this class we will see how the west was won and a national identity shaped in the process with the help of violence and negotiations, out of fear and fascination, through strategic tourism and, last but not least, exoticism.

Our primary reading will consist of four texts (see below). However, for the completion of the course curriculum students are strongly encouraged to have a look at the reading list of the American Studies section, as well as collections of texts such as the Heath Anthology or the Norton Anthology . Participants are encouraged to set their own priorities in preparation for this class and suggest further reading before the beginning of the semester.

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 narratives 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 read some texts before the beginning of the semester either in print or as e-book.

Our first meeting will take place on May 5.

Empfohlene Literatur:

Required Reading: (print or e-book)

James Fennimore Cooper, The Pioneers (1823)
Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie (1935)
Brian Hall, I Should Be Extremely Happy in Your Company: A Novel of Lewis and Clark (2003)
Chris Dingess/Matthew Roberts/Owen Gieni, Manifest Destiny Volume 1: Flora & Fauna (2014)

Reading the Frontier: Westward Expansion in American Literature and Culture (Literary Studies)

Dozent/in:

Nicole K. Konopka

Angaben:

Übung, 2 SWS, ECTS: 4, Studium Generale

Termine:

Fr, 10:15 - 12:00, U5/02.22

Voraussetzungen / Organisatorisches:

1. Modulzuordnung und Zugangsvoraussetzung / Part of modules resp. courses of study:

BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik:

Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft: Übung 2 ECTS
Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft: Übung 2 ECTS, Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft

BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik (nur HF ohne BA-Arbeit):

Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft: Übung 2 ECTS
Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft: Übung 2 ECTS, Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft
Vertiefungsmodul Literaturwissenschaft: Übung 2 ECTS, Zugangsvoraussetzung: Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft

MA English and American Studies/Joint Degree:

Mastermodul Literaturwissenschaft: Übung (2 ECTS)
Master-Vertiefungsmodul Literaturwissenschaft I oder II: Übung (2 ECTS)
Erweiterungsmodul I: Übung (2 ECTS)

Erweiterungsbereich Anglistik/Amerikanistik im Rahmen anderer MA:

Erweiterungsmodul I: Übung (2 ECTS)

Lehramt neu GHS: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft a (4 ECTS)
Lehramt neu RS: Zusatzmodul Literaturwissenschaft (2 ECTS)
Lehramt neu GY:

Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft (2 ECTS)
Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft (2 ECTS), Zugangsvoraussetzung: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft

Lehramt neu GY (ab WS 11/12): Vertiefungsmodul Literaturwissenschaft (2 ECTS), Zugangsvoraussetzung: Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft
LA alt (alle), Diplom, Magister: Übung
Bachelor BWL, Studienschwerpunkt Wirtschaftspädagogik II: Basismodul Literaturwissenschaft (2 ECTS)
Master Wirtschaftspädagogik, Studienrichtung II: Aufbaumodul Literaturwissenschaft (2 ECTS)
Studium Generale: NICHT für Studierende im BA Anglistik/Amerikanistik!

2. Voraussetzungen für Punktevergabe / Prerequisites for obtaining credit points:

active participation
presentation (10-15 minutes)

3. An- und Abmeldung / Enrollment:
via FlexNow (Students without access to FlexNow (Erasmus or Joint Degree) please send an email to the teacher of this

An-/Abmeldung zur Lehrveranstaltung: 28.3.-28.4.
An-/ Abmeldung zur Prüfung: 14.6.-14.7.

Inhalt:

The 19th century was a time of exploration, discovery, exploitation, and innovation. Much of what we perceive as “America” and “American” today was formed during this time. Thus, the literary and cultural output of the long nineteenth century merits closer examination, especially concerning the American West. One aim is to understand why the “West” still holds such an allure for citizens of the US and other nations. Through the material discussed in this class, students have the opportunity to experience the westward expansion and will become aware of (1) the difficulties people faced during their travels and (2) how meaning was and still is constructed through texts and images.

Apart from the experiences of explorers, pioneers, settlers and travelers we will also catch a glimpse of the life and struggles and resistance of the native people who already inhabited those lands and for whom the presence of European settlers was almost invariably a continuing catastrophe. We will see how the indigenous voice is present in most literary works, although seldom unfiltered or unprejudiced. The west was to be conquered, either through harsh or gentle means. In this class we will see “how the west was won” and a national identity shaped in the process – with the help of violence and negotiations, out of fear and fascination, through strategic tourism and, last but not least, exoticism.

Our primary reading will consist of four texts (see below). However, for the completion of the course curriculum students are strongly encouraged to have a look at the reading list of the American Studies section, as well as collections of texts such as the “Heath Anthology” or the “Norton Anthology”. Participants are encouraged to set their own priorities in preparation for this class and suggest further reading before the beginning of the semester.

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 narratives 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 read some texts before the beginning of the semester – either in print or as e-book.

Our first meeting will take place on May 5.

Empfohlene Literatur:

Required Reading: (print or e-book)

James Fennimore Cooper, The Pioneers (1823)
Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie (1935)
Brian Hall, I Should Be Extremely Happy in Your Company: A Novel of Lewis and Clark (2003)
Chris Dingess/Matthew Roberts/Owen Gieni, Manifest Destiny Volume 1: Flora & Fauna (2014)



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